Plans approved for new Morpeth car park

A Northumberland town is set to gain more than 100 additional parking spaces after plans to redevelop a long-vacant site received council backing.

Northumberland County Council has approved £1.5 million to create a new public car park on the site of Morpeth’s former leisure centre, which has been closed for more than three years.

Demolition of the building is expected to begin this autumn, with construction of the new car park scheduled to start in early 2027.

The scheme will extend the existing Newmarket West car park, increasing capacity from 62 to around 170 spaces. 

It will also include 10 dedicated motorcycle spaces and a new public area overlooking the River Wansbeck and Carlisle Park.

The decision follows market testing by the council, which failed to identify commercially viable redevelopment proposals that aligned with its wider regeneration ambitions for the town centre.

Councillor Richard Wearmouth, cabinet member for regeneration at Northumberland County Council, said: “Following consultation with elected members, Morpeth Town Council, local stakeholders and the Morpeth Forum, it was agreed the most appropriate interim and medium-term use for the site would be an extension to the existing Newmarket West car park. 

“The timing of the demolition works has been carefully planned to avoid both the annual Morpeth Fair and the busy Christmas period, minimising disruption to residents, visitors and the town centre. 

“Anyone who lives in or visits Morpeth town centre knows how difficult it can be to get parked, and this scheme will go a long way to resolving this long-standing issue. 

“The next stage is to demolish this redundant building, which is now serving no purpose. 

“Local residents and businesses will be kept well informed about the programme of work.” 

The additional parking is intended to address growing demand, with town centre car parks already operating at around 90 per cent capacity and usage expected to continue increasing in the coming years.

Morpeth North county councillor David Bawn added: “I am delighted that the council are going to provide more parking provision in Morpeth and parking remains free. 
 
“Morpeth is a real High Street success story, and we need to keep making Morpeth accessible. 

“These extra spaces will enable this to happen.”

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