A NEW multi-storey car park for Stalybridge town centre is described as ‘the critical missing link.’
Tameside Council has submitted an application to build a new 171-space facility on Waterloo Road, where a surface car park sits now.‑space
The ground floor will house 57 spaces, levels one and two 37 each and 40 on the roof.
In total, it will provide 151 standard and 23 accessible spaces, four electric vehicle charging spaces and motorcycle parking
The vehicle drop-off area will be retained at the Waterloo Road entrance to reflect the existing arrangement to Stalybridge Clinic.
To provide the most convenient access, two accessible parking bays would be adjacent to the drop-off entrance, with the remainder distributed across the ground floor to ensure ease of access.
The car park plan is the next stage of the plan to redevelop Stalybridge town centre, with a new footbridge over the River Tame also proposed.
And documents supporting it did not play down its importance.
They state: “The development directly delivers multiple strategic objectives established within the Stalybridge Public Realm Vision, creating the critical missing link in Stalybridge’s movement network while celebrating the town’s industrial heritage through thoughtful design.”
Existing parking arrangements on King Street, where the pedestrian entrance to the car park will be, are set to be unchanged.
And after feedback about potential impacts on security and anti-social behaviour, the car park will incorporate appropriate management and safety measures, including lighting, CCTV and design features that promote natural surveillance.
Greater Manchester Police has also provided a crime impact statement to support the proposal.
A new footpath within the site will also be created after concerns were raised about an increase in the number of people walking along King Street.
A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “The proposal includes upgrades around the site to make the area more welcoming and easier to navigate.
“These include a new pedestrian route along King Street leading directly to the car park entrance, better links to Stalybridge Clinic and Waterloo Road, new trees and planting to make the area greener and new walls and railings to help the street look tidy and feel safer.”
Councillor Andrew McLaren, the authority’s deputy leader and executive member for growth, housing and homelessness, added: “With the footbridge application already submitted and the car park application now progressing, we’re delivering improvements that will make it easier to get around the town.
“Together with the upcoming work at Armentieres Square, the Old Town Hall Gardens, Trinity Street, and other key projects on, this will support new housing and help Stalybridge grow as a vibrant and welcoming place.”