Decision Maker: Executive
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Is Key decision?: No
Is subject to call in?: Yes
To provide an update summarising the findings
of a condition survey and agree the action plan
i. The High Street Car Park be closed at the end of October 2023, following the
recommendation made by Structural Engineers.
ii. The Assistant Director, Property engages with stakeholders affected which
includes the commercial unit tenants (9), Council staff, season ticket holders, Town Centre partners and other parties that have an interest to ensure the implications of this decision are understood.
iii. Savings that will be realised in expenditure budgets in the current year from the midyear closure be used to fund decommissioning work including erecting hoarding, securing the site, and commissioning pre and post decommissioning structural surveys.
iv. The High Street Car Park site be added to the Bracknell Town Centre Southern Gateway site masterplan area. Outline plans for which will be presented for consideration to the Executive in Autumn 2023.
The Councils structural engineers, advised the council in December 2022 to reduce
the number of available spaces in the High Street Car Park by closing every 3rd
parking space, which was implemented. A further structural survey was
commissioned and undertaken by the structural engineers in May 2023, which with a
recommendation that the car park be closed no later than December 2023, as it has
reached the end of its design life.
The structural engineers report sets out a number of options that could be pursued.
The only viable alternative presented was that loading (usage) of the site could be
further reduced from 60% of bays available to 30%. This could extend the life
beyond the December 2023 date. However, an increase regime of monitoring would
be needed to offset the increasing risk of structural failure. This was therefore
rejected as an option.
None
Wards Affected: Town Centre & The Parks;
Financial Impact: As set out in the report.
Declarations: None
Subject to Urgent Proceedings: No
Making Representations: In writing to the Executive Director: Delivery.
Other reasons / organisations consulted
By report
Consultees
Legal
Finance
Contact: Kevin Gibbs, Executive Director: Communities Email: kevin.gibbs@bracknell-forest.gov.uk, Kamay Toor, Programme Director: Schools' Capital and Property Email: kamay.toor@bracknell-forest.gov.uk Tel: 01344 355183.
Report author: Kevin Gibbs
Publication date: 18/07/2023
Date of decision: 18/07/2023
Decided at meeting: 18/07/2023 - Executive
Effective from: 26/07/2023
Accompanying Documents: