Work starts on 730-space multi-storey car park

Work has started on a new 730-space multi-storey car park in Stoke-on-Trent city centre as part of a wider mixed-use project.The new car park is being built on land next to Potteries Way and forms part of the wider Smithfield development, the joint venture between Stoke-on-Trent City Council and developer Genr8.The multi-storey car park will feature 730 parking bays, 48 additional motorcycle parking bays, bicycle storage, lockers and electric vehicle charging point facilities. It will be across seven levels, with single-lane entrances and exits off Cannon Place for cars. Motorbikes and bicycles will use an entrance and exit off Cambridge Street.In 2020, Genr8 secured approval for the next phase of development at Smithfield, which will involve the construction of 3 Smithfield, a 62,000 sq ft grade A office building.The completion of the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel and Clayworks last year was in addition to the existing 210,000 sq ft of office space already constructed at Smithfield, which is occupied by a mix of both private businesses and the public sector. The multi-storey car park is being built by Willmott Dixon, which have previously worked on the Hilton Garden Inn and Clayworks apartments at Smithfield.The works are expected to be completed in July 2022 and it is anticipated the car park will open shortly after completion. The car park is being funded by the city council, who will be responsible for operating it when completed.