Goal in Sight For Cirencester Parking Needs

CDC Cabinet agrees key design considerations for Waterloo multi-storey 

Meeting on 14 February, Cabinet Members of Cotswold District Council agreed several key design considerations for the proposed Waterloo multi-storey car park in Cirencester.

Their recommendations included: 

·       Width of bays will be 2.5 metres (wider than the 2.4 m standard)

·       Provision of 15 free bicycle racks.

·       Spaces for motorcycles – numbers to be confirmed.

·       Public toilets – including a ‘changing places’ compliant unit.

·       Electronic signs to display ‘car park full’ information.

When an architect is appointed to design the car park, these recommendations will be incorporated into their brief.  The final design will then be subject to the normal planning process.

Commenting on the recommendations, CDC Leader Cllr Tony Berry said,

“Providing wider parking spaces will increase the ease of use for motorists exiting and entering their vehicles; this would result in a slight reduction of the car park’s capacity, but I am sure that the extra room would be welcomed by many users.  It’s also important to provide for the needs of cyclists and motorcyclists, and I am sure that the proposed spaces will be well used.  Additionally, I am very pleased that this will present the opportunity to build some toilet facilities that comply with the highest standards for people with disabilities.”

Cabinet backs proposal for 100 temporary parking spaces in Cirencester

Cabinet Members of Cotswold District Council have endorsed a proposal to provide a temporary decked car park within Cirencester town centre.

The Waterloo car park – which currently provides 233 parking spaces – will be out of commission from early next year if plans are approved to create a multi-storey car park at that site.  Although the Council is progressing a scheme to create 150 spaces for displaced parking permit holders at Cirencester Rugby Club, there is still a significant shortfall. Subject to planning consent, CDC aims to close that gap by providing 100 extra parking  spaces in the form of temporary decking at a car park within the town (venue to be confirmed) for about two years.

Commenting on the proposal, CDC Leader Cllr Tony Berry said,

“The creation of a multi-storey car park at the Waterloo site would take at least a year to complete so it’s vital that we ensure motorists would still have somewhere to park.  While the proposed Rugby Club car park will offset demand for long-stay permit parking, the temporary decking solution would help meet the needs of short stay visitors.”

A further report, seeking full Council approval of funding for a temporary decking scheme, will be issued once the actual costs are confirmed.