WORK on a £750,000 refurbishment and expansion of The Forge car park at Stockton Heath will start towards the end of March in phases, to help minimise disruption.
The car park, Located in the busy district centre of Stockton Heath, is to undergo major improvement works, along with the expansion of the lower level of the site, providing an additional 24 parking places which includes six more disabled parking bays.
The improvements will also see the demolition of the disused toilet block on the lower level, the renewal of drainage and the resurfacing of the main access routes throughout the car park.
Improvements to the lighting and CCTV systems will also be made, making the overall feel of the car park a safe and secure place to park when visiting Stockton Heath.
In addition to these improvements, the car park will also be made more ‘pedestrian friendly’ with pedestrian routes and walkways clearly signed and marked out.
As part of the work to make the car park better for pedestrians, a new route will be provided through the site that links the existing footpath running adjacent to St. Thomas’s church, to the walkway that connects to Egerton Street. This will be promoted as a new safe route for parents to use when dropping off or picking up children from Stockton Heath Primary School.
In addition, the upgrade will include passive provision for Electric Vehicle charging points on the upper level of the car park.
Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for highways, transportation and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “The Forge car park is exceptionally-well used by local people, and has been in need of refurbishment for a number of years.
“We have been working closely with the community for some time to explore ways to improve the car park. I’m delighted that we have been able to identify the funding for the scheme and these improvement works are now officially getting underway.
“This is a major investment by the council that will bring huge benefits to the local community. The upgrade and modernisation work we are carrying out will future proof The Forge car park for the next 20 years, providing a sustainable and accessible site which is well-equipped to serve the busy Stockton Heath district centre.”
These works will be undertaken in phases – typically with the car park closed in thirds to the public to minimise any disruption.
Once the contractor has been officially appointed (current in call-in period), council officers will liaise with them to provide an official programme of works and will then be able to confirm the construction phasing and associated
dates, so they can notify businesses and users alike.
