A Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation will be available from today (Friday 23 May) for residents to have their say on the future of Amoy Street Car Park, both North and South sections.
Southampton City Council carried out a review of all assets, including car parks assets, as part of the Asset Development and Disposal Programme (ADDP), as agreed by Cabinet and Full Council. The programme aims to reduce the council’s corporate and operational assets. This will help to decrease our current operating costs, as well as the future costs of maintenance, and where it is identified there is no longer a need for any particular asset.
Amoy Street is being proposed for disposal and the TRO provides an opportunity for residents to have their say on this proposal. The TRO is live until Friday 13 June.
The long stay car parks are in the Polygon area of Southampton, nearby to Bedford Place and London Road. This is close to the city centre, with excellent public transport links within a 5-10 minute walk of the car park.
We are assessing our car parks against the following criteria:
- Usage data
- Potential for other car parks to accommodate these customers
- Commercial impact of selling versus retaining
- Development potential of the land
- Current marketability of the site
Of the car parks within Bedford Place, Amoy Street was considered most suitable for closure when assessed against the above criteria, given its low utilisation and relatively small size. The site has 54 car park spaces.
Councillor Sarah Bogle, Cabinet Member for Economic Development, said: “We are committed to engaging with residents on the Asset Development and Disposal Programme, and the future of the Amoy Street is the first opportunity to put the principles of the ADDP to local people.
“While it will depend on the feedback we receive from residents and any potential purchaser, it could provide much needed new homes or other development opportunities for the Polygon. However, the council does not intend to dispose of this car parks to a third party that would then continue to operate them as private car parks.
“The principle of a disposal is to support future development options and ensure that the remaining parking facilities in a local area can accommodate parking demand within it. Any future development proposals would also be consulted on through the planning process”.
