Colchester could lose its St John's and St Mary's car parks

The St John’s and St Mary’s multi storey car parks, in Southway and Balkerne Hill respectively, are at risk of demolition as their structures approach the “end of life”.

Despite the issues, Colchester councillor Martin Goss expects to see no drastic changes to either car park for around a decade.

“Both St John’s and St Mary’s are of a concrete structure which will have a lifespan,” explained Mr Goss.

Don't worry - Colchester councillor Martin Goss suggested the multistorey car parks won't require demolition for around ten years

The councillor, who also chairs the local plan committee, continued: “You can spend money to reverse engineering concrete but this costs serious amounts of money.

“That creates a question about what we do with the car parks when their lifespan ends, which will be a strategic decision we’ll have to take in the future, but it’s not one we have to take now.”

A multi storey car park in Middleborough closed in 2021 to combat the costs of maintenance required as a result of similar issues.

Mr Goss added if the car parks were to be demolished, the council would seek to replace them with alternative parking provisions.

Popular - St Mary's is known for its central location in Balkerne Hill

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The potential redevelopment of the St John’s multi storey forms part of Colchester Council’s 91-page masterplan document, which was debated at a local plan committee meeting.

Colchester Council leader David King emphasised the masterplan “isn’t an attack on the car”.

Mr King added: “It’s about rebalancing, it’s not about the removal of opportunity to gain access to the city.”

Committee members agreed to advance the masterplan, which includes proposals to “reallocate space” on the ground floor of the popular car park, to a public consultation.

Speaking at the meeting, High Steward of Colchester Sir Bob Russell pointed out this could mean the loss of two popular retailers from the city centre.

Sir Bob said: “[The masterplan] hints at the demolition of the St John’s multi storey car park – along with the loss of the Wilko and Iceland stores.”

“A loss of jobs, and a loss of two popular shops,” added the former Colchester MP.

Mr Goss reiterated the plans, which are now subject to public scrutiny, would be subject to discussions with the landowners.