Site location
The South Road car park is the main town centre facility. Whilst it benefits from some areas of planting and some elements of safe pedestrian routes the space is hampered by the legacy of earlier subdivisions and feels dated and inefficient.
In parallel with the proposals to deliver workspace on the former gasworks site the space has the potential to be re-worked to establish a high quality facility.
Site location plan – click to enlarge
Opportunities
Establish a new car park layout which unifies the space and also provides access to the proposed workspace on the former Gasworks site.
Include SUDS planting to help manage water run-off and support urban greening and biodiversity.
Provide native species deciduous tree planting for shade to help reduce the urban heat island effect of large areas of tarmac.
Incorporate charging points for electric vehicles to support the switch away from fossil fuels.
Provide improved pedestrian links with a new controlled crossing on South Road (location to be agreed) and improved links to the High Street via the Old Brewery scheme.
Explore options for photovoltaic panels above parking spaces to shade the car park and generate electricity.
Illustrative masterplan – click to enlarge