Plans for ‘essential’ four-storey car park at QA site approved
547 spaces will connect to ward
A NEW four-storey car park for more than 500 vehicles will be built at Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth as part of a 'fantastic' regeneration of the site.
City councillors unanimously approved proposals for the multi-storey structure that will be built on the northern side of the existing north car park, during a planning meeting.
The car park will provide a total of 541 car parking spaces and six motorcycle spaces. And it will connect to a new 72-bed ward which is currently being built on the south side of the car park by a link bridge at first floor level.
One representation was made against the plans from a resident of neighbouring Peterborough Road with concerns of light pollution and loss of privacy.
However, council officers confirmed the structure will use motion sensor lights and have cladding along its western side to reduce this.
Speaking at the virtual meeting Councillor Matt Atkins said: 'Its re-development strategy overall is really good, I think it's fantastic we're seeing these expansions and improvements. And
I do think the car park is an essential element of it.'
As reported, the car park will complement the new 72-bed ward as well as plans for a new £58m emergency department at the hospital.
Currently there are 801 public parking spaces and 1,411 staff car parking spaces across the site.
On completion of the three developments the numbers of parking spaces are set to reduce by 98 - equivalent to an increase of 247 public spaces, and a decrease of 345 staff spaces.
This is set to be mitigated by use of the hospital's nearby Fort Southwick park and ride.
The council's transport boss, Cllr Lynne Stagg, added: 'We are working with two bus companies to develop a demand responsive service that should help with a lot of staff working at the hospital.
'It will work like a taxi service with an app to request a bus - that will help with people on early and late shifts.' The committee approved the plans on the conditions that no work can start until a planting scheme is put forward, and that if any trees on site die or are diseased within five years they have to be replaced.
I think it's fantastic we're seeing these expansions and improvements. Councillor Matt Atkins