Work is starting shortly on a new 330 space multi-storey car park in Epping Town Centre which forms part of exciting redevelopment plans for the town.
The existing Cottis Lane Car Park will be closed from the evening of 2nd September 2022 to enable construction to commence with work expected to be completed by Summer 2023. Qualis Commercial has appointed RG Group to build the new car park as the first phase of the development.
Simon Rutter, Managing Director of Qualis Commercial explains, “Starting work on the delivery of the new car park is a vital part of our development plans for the town centre. Once the car park is completed, we will be able to release the site at Bakers Lane for the new leisure centre which is seen as a priority for local residents.
“We appreciate that closing a car park may impact the community and we have been working with local councillors to find ways to reduce this. Bakers Lane car park will remain open and we expect our temporary car parking off St John’s Road will open on 3rd September to provide additional spaces while the work is being carried out.
“A separate space off the High Street within the old depot will also be created for the market traders to park their vehicles on a Monday for market day. Talks continue with owners of other car parks in the town to explore all alternatives.”
During the construction of the new car park, Qualis Commercial is ensuring there is access to four accessible parking bays on the edge of the site for those who need them, and the public toilets will also remain open.
Chris Whitbread, Leader of Epping Forest District Council said, “The start of work on site at the Cottis Lane Car park is the catalyst for the plans for Epping and once complete will make way for work to start on the much-anticipated new leisure centre and swimming pool.
“The pandemic has seen a change in people’s parking habits, so whilst our car parks don’t always reach full capacity, we are pleased to be able to address concerns raised by members of the local community, and work with Qualis to provide some additional temporary car parking at St John’s while the construction work takes place.”
The brand new car park will have electric vehicle charging and will be built to a Park Mark Gold Standard.
Demolition work has started on two of the other Qualis Commercial sites at St Johns and behind the Civic Offices which all form part of the programme to deliver 269 new homes, including affordable homes across three residential sites In Epping town centre. Construction work is expected to commence on site later this year.
