Cabinet considered the report titled ‘Broadway Multistorey Car Park Maidenhead – Demolition of existing structure.

Councillor Hill, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, Customer Service Centre & Employment, outlined the report and provided some background information on the car park history and its recent structural failings that were allowed to occur under the previous administration. He stated that the demolition would take roughly around 10 months, on top of the time needed for a procurement process to take place between approval and demolition commencement.

The Chair thanked Councillor Hill for his efforts in progressing the report that was before Cabinet, as it had been originally pencilled in for Autumn.

Councillor Coe asked for some clarity for the public as to how the process of the demolition would occur. Andrew Durrant, Executive Director of Place Services, said that the car park was located within a central part of the town, within close proximity to various different neighbours, so admitted that it of course would come with its challenges, however it was necessary. He also discussed about the new signage that was being planned to be installed, advertising the alternate Vicus Way car park.

Councillor Price asked if the car park was planned originally to be demolished regardless of these current situations. Andrew Durrant confirmed that in the future with the proposed redevelopment of the Nicholsons hopping centre, the plan was to do this at some point.

Councillor Davies said that it was a shame from a climate and sustainability viewpoint that the Council was in this position.

Councillor Hill said that he wished for the parking strategy item to come to Cabinet in the very near future. Andrew Durrant confirmed that his team would be moving it forward as fast as possible.

The Chair seconded the recommendation.

AGREED UNANIMOUSLY: That Cabinet noted the report and delegated authority to the Executive Director of Place in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, to go out to Tender and approve a contract to demolish the Broad Way Multistorey Car Park.