Multi-storey car park develops faults during lockdown

The ‘Brackla One’ multi-storey car park located at Cheapside in Bridgend town centre has developed serious faults during the pandemic lockdown, and cannot reopen.

The faults were discovered by officers from Bridgend County Borough Council while undertaking a routine inspection in preparation for the planned reopening of the car park following the alert level four lockdown.

The inspection revealed that pieces of concrete were coming away from the underside of the ceilings on each level.

The damage, which is known as spalling, is often the result of surface or sub-surface fatigue within a structure. It can cause fractures to form and results in pieces of concrete becoming loose and falling.

As a result the car park, which was constructed in the 1970s, remains temporarily closed in the interests of public safety.

Council engineers are currently assessing the extent of the problem, and are looking at potential options for how the faults may be addressed.

The council is also looking at options for providing alternative car parking and whether the Shopmobility service, which was based at Cheapside, can continue from a different location.

In the meantime, all other private and council-maintained town centre carparks remain available to use, and have sufficient capacity to cater for drivers who may have opted to park at Cheapside.

The council-maintained town centre car parks are based at the following locations:

• Rhiw multi storey
• Brackla Three (behind Wilkinsons)
• Tremains Road
• Five Bells Road
• Brewery Lane
• Tondu Road
• Bridgend Life Centre
• Bowls Hall

Full details of car parking in and around Bridgend town centre can be found at the council website, www.bridgend.gov.uk