Cheshire East parks Wilmslow MSCP plan
The redevelopment of Broadway Meadows car park into a multi-storey facility has been shelved due to viability concerns.
Cheshire East Council, which owns the Broadway Meadows car park next to Wilmslow Cricket Club, had identified the land for redevelopment into a multistorey car park in 2020 as part of a parking strategy for the town.
The 100,000 sq ft scheme would have seen a net addition of 131 spaces on the site from 272 to 403.
In August 2021, contractor Willmott Dixon estimated the cost of the project would be £8.3m. Twelve months on, Cheshire East predicts this will have risen to £9.08m as a result of inflation.
As Cheshire East planned to borrow the cash for the scheme from the Public Works and Loans Board, and taking into account the current interest rate of 3.22%, the total outlay for the project over a 50-year repayment period would be £16.6m.
“At this time, the viability of a new Multi Storey Car Park has not been demonstrated,” a report to the council’s economy and growth committee said.
The council will revisit the scheme in 12 months to reassess viability and “alternative options of funding delivery and potential alternative locations will be explored”, the report said.
This really is a half baked plan. Why on earth would anyone propose this development in this location?
By Digbuth O'Hooligan
Surely an investor would pay for the works, with a lease for 20 years to collect the car parking revenue? £6 per day should do it……
By Capitalist
Great decision – much better to invest that sort of money in cycling and walking and local bus services.
By Anon
£69,000 per space gained – ridiculous that it was even considered a good idea.
By Dover
Since the pandemic that car park hasn’t been as busy as it used to be as less have been getting the train. I’m sure numbers will pick up when no doubt the scheme will be revisited. Also Multi story car parks are an eyesore!
By Tomo