NCP opens 800-space Topp Way car park

Bolton's latest multi-storey car park opened last week, the second of three being delievered under an agreement between Bolton Council and National Car Parks.

The relocation of parking in the town will free up development sites and increase capacity as planned schemes attract more visitors.

The car park will also house Bolton's first town centre 'Changing Places' facility, for profoundly disabled people. As well as a toilet it features a changing bench and a ceiling hoist, which is operated electronically and can be used to lift people. The facility, on the ground floor, will open on 29 March.

The town's Shopmobility service, currently on Le Mans Crescent, is also moving in at the end of the month. The car park boasts green credentials with an intelligent lighting system, which ensures that lights are only switched on in parts of the car park that are in use, or where natural lighting is insufficient. There are also five charging spots for electric vehicles.

Cllr John Byrne, Bolton Council's executive member for development, said: "The car park will play a significant role in supporting future developments in the town centre and should also bring in new visitors. The ground floor lobby also includes space to accommodate potential small retail outlets as a future development."

A six-storey 815 space car park on Deane Road opened for business in November 2009. The multi-storey was the first building to be completed in the Innovation Zone.

Details of the location and timeframe for the third car park have yet to be finalised.