Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Campaigners say new car park is not needed or wanted
Controversial designs for a £9 million multi-storey car park have been branded ‘frighteningly horrific’ by campaigners who say it will have a detrimental impact on the city’s historic appearance.
Formal proposals for the threestorey Station Road West car park, which is spearheaded by the city council, were submitted last month.
Critics have already raised fears over its design, saying it will increase congestion.
They have also cited concern over increased air pollution, the cutting down of trees, and fears that it will become nothing more than an expensive white elephant.
Architect Nick Blake believes the design of the car park does not belong in Canterbury.
He said: “Travellers encounter enough overtly modern cities in the UK and they do not want to be reminded so heavily that Canterbury is yet another one of them. Surely they want to be welcomed and given reason to be excited about visiting our amazing city?
“The appearance of the frighteningly horrific perspective images will put fear into anyone who loves this city. These are visions drawn by machines of a building designed by machines for machines to live in.”
Costs for the multi-storey car park escalated dramatically late last year to £9.1 million, a £4 million increase from the original figure, due to additional engineering requirements.
Despite the rising costs being labelled ‘madness’ by objectors, the project has been looked upon favourably by councillors who hope its 380 spaces will cater for more commuters.
The extra spaces, however, are viewed by some to be an unneeded expense.
Professor Stephen Peckham, director of health policy at the University of Kent, said: “There is no justification provided for the increase in parking spaces.
“The two car parks in Station Road West provide sufficient capacity and have at least 100 spaces spare. At the 3% growth per annum predicted by the council, this would provide sufficient capacity for 15 years.”
By backing the car park plans, Mr Peckham says the city council is acting to the contrary of its pro cycling and public transport policies.
The council has pledged to provide 16 bicycle spaces and electric car charging bays as part of the development.
The car park’s cost will be borrowed and paid back over a 27-year period. It is then expected to generate income in excess of £1 million per year.
Speaking when the plans were revised in the autumn, Cllr Ben Fitter- Harding said how he believes the additional parking will not only benefit station users but also have the potential to increase footfall to businesses in St Dunstan’s and the surrounding area.