Multi-storey car park to close permanently for safety reasons

A multi-storey car park in Leamington Spa is to close for safety reasons.

Warwick District Council said it had been monitoring the structure of the Covent Garden car park for several years and that it will permanently close to the public on Sunday 12 February 2023 at 6pm.

Parts of the facility were sealed off in 2019 and more recently there have been ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour culminating in growing concerns about health and safety to the public.

The council’s cabinet will now consider a report on the demolition of the car park at its February meeting.

In preparation for the closure, the council said it has put in place plans to reduce the impact of the loss of the car park and to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses, and visitors.

The Covent Garden surface car park will remain open, and alternative car parking is available at St Peter’s, Adelaide Bridge, and the Council HQ at Riverside House.

Covent Garden season ticket and permit holders have already been notified of the closure and offered alternative parking options.

Warwick District Council’s Moira-Ann Grainger said: “Although this has been a difficult decision, our priority must be the ongoing safety of car park users and the public.

“This closure isn’t unexpected, with over half of the car park already closed it has been long recognised that the carpark was reaching the end of its useable life. Despite this closure, we are confident that there is sufficient parking in place to offset the temporary loss of spaces. We are working closely with the local community and businesses to ensure there is adequate parking to support the town centre future needs.”