Liverpool’s new £6.5m car park to give 'huge boost' to city centre businesses

Plans for a new multi-million pound car park in the centre of Liverpool have been given the thumbs up by the council’s Planning Committee.

The authority today (January 10) gave the greenlight for the construction of a 333-space, five-level car park that will transform the existing site on Victoria Street.

Valued at £6.5m, the scheme will also comprise 15 motorcycle and 28 bicycle spaces, in addition to three charging bays for electric vehicles.

Further, the facility will be adjoined by a three-storey block with a rooftop terrace and outdoor seating areas to accommodate restaurant and bar operators.

The council-funded scheme is designed to slash the congestion and pollution caused by the existing 121-space car park, which does not publicise the spaces available and causes motorists to circle the site while waiting for an available parking spot.

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Kennedy, said: “Victoria Street is a vital artery in Liverpool’s retail core and a high quality car park will provide a huge boost for surrounding businesses such as the Metquarter.

“The scale of the investment and creation of a new leisure attraction will also help accelerate the regeneration that is beginning to take place there.”

He continued: “The current car park is not fit for purpose – offering no bays for blue badge holders, cyclist or motor cyclists. Many of the bays have also been distorted by the root system of the current trees and I’m delighted this car park will pave the way for a much more extensive and much needed planting scheme in this part of the city centre.”

Contractor Willmott Dixon has been appointed to construct the scheme, with building work due to begin in February.

The car park is expected to be open by late November 2017.