Bracknell multi-storey is beyond repair

Structural engineers say High Street car park should be demolished

The High Street car park in Bracknell is to close following surveyor reports that show the structure is corroding and is beyond repair.

Bracknell Borough Council’s executive has agreed to close the 1970s car park, which is currently safe to use, within the timescales set out by structural experts.

Use of its middle parking bays has been suspended to spread weight load. This provided a temporary solution that enabled the car park to remain open.

However, the surveyors advised that this cannot continue as the structure is corroding. They recommended closing the car park before the end of the year as the level of corrosion within the concrete reinforcement cannot be remedied.

High Street will remain open safely until 31 October. Work will then begin to safely hoard off the car park in November.

The site will be added to the overall town centre masterplan for regeneration.

High Street car park is mainly used by council staff working in the nearby Time Square office and a handful of monthly season ticket holders. It is not the car park of choice for shoppers or those visiting The Lexicon.

Alternative car parks in the town centre include Braccan Walk, Princess Square, Albert Road and Weather Way.

It is not expected that closure of High Street car park will impact on people’s ability to park as only The Avenue car park reaches capacity at Christmas peak times.

The structural engineers have advised that the businesses under High Street car park could remain in place safely until 2025, subject to regular inspections.

Discussions are ongoing between the council, Bracknell Regeneration Partnership and Shopmobility to find an alternative parking and drop-off point for people that use Shopmobility.

Kevin Gibbs, executive director for delivery, said: “High Street car park is currently safe to use but independent structural experts have told us that it is corroding and there is no way to fix it.

“The safety of car park users must be our priority, which is why the executive has agreed to