Council wants to expand civic centre car park in Elstree Way

There are currently 400 parking spaces in the Elstree Way pay-and-display car park, which is mainly used by visitors and employees at the council offices and The Venue leisure centre.

But the council says car park provision at this site is becoming "inadequate" because it is so "well used" and full on most normal working days.

Therefore, it is looking at ways of increasing capacity enabling more drivers to park.

This week, surveys are being undertaken at the car park so assess whether a single-deck extension could be added.

This has the capability of increasing capacity by 200, taking the total number of spaces to 600.

The council's Executive committee, made up of the most senior councillors, has already agreed to award a contract for the design and construction of a single-deck extension.

The contract, agreed in March, is in two phases. The first stage includes the surveys, and once the surveys and designs works are completed, a planning application will be submitted, likely to be in the summer.

Councillor Jean Heywood said: The current car park has 400 spaces. It’s well used and full to capacity on most normal working days.

"We hope that as the economy springs back, there will be more people working in the area and, with the continued development of the Elstree Way Corridor, including the old police station site, parking demand will increase.

"The current provision is becoming increasingly inadequate.

"The proposed steel framed decking system would cover part of the existing car park, limited to a single deck to minimise the impact on neighbouring properties.

"It would provide around 200 additional spaces, increased electric charging points, allocated car sharing spaces and improved CCTV coverage.

"Everyone will have an opportunity to look at the plans and give their comments as part of the planning process."

The car park during quieter times. Credit: Google Street View