Update on multi-storey car park closure

Work is ongoing to determine whether a Bridgend town centre car park may be able to partially reopen, or if it must remain closed.

The Brackla One multi-storey, which is located at Cheapside, was unable to reopen following the recent alert level four lockdown after significant health and safety issues were discovered.

An inspection by council officers found evidence that sub-surface fatigue within the facility had worsened considerably and was causing pieces of concrete to fall from the ceilings.

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 determining whether the car park will be able to partially reopen in order to provide some parking capacity and a Shopmobility service for the town centre.

 

The car park has been demonstrating signs of ongoing deterioration for some time. While it is not structurally unsound, we recognise that it is reaching the end of its natural life, much like the former Rhiw multi-storey before it. As such, the council already has budgeted plans in place for the inevitable demolition of the car park as well as ambitious new proposals for how this part of town may potentially be used in future.

Together with the nearby police station, the Cheapside area forms an important part of our future regeneration strategy for the town centre, and plans are in development that could deliver an all-new Bridgend College building at this location, which would of course dramatically increase town centre footfall. Until we have further information, we are keeping an open mind with regard to the reopening of the car park, but if it is found to be too unsafe or if the required repairs are too expensive for any reopening to take place, we will consider bringing the proposed demolition forward.

At this point in time, our engineers are focusing firmly on establishing whether a partial re-opening of the car park may be possible, particularly in order for the Shopmobility service to resume. In the meantime, we have confirmed that all other private and council-maintained town centre carparks remain available to use, including at the Rhiw Multi Story car park where the first three hours of usage is currently free of charge, and that they have sufficient capacity to cater for drivers who may have otherwise opted to park at Cheapside. We will be issuing further updates once our engineers have confirmed their findings.

Janine Nightingale, Director of Communities

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