Low carbon travel options become a reality at former Vaultex site
Winchester City Council has received confirmation of the £5.65m in grant funding from the Enterprise M3 Local Enterprise Partnership (EM3 LEP) to build a multi-storey Park & Ride car park at the former Vaultex site off Barfield Close.
The announcement moves the project to build a new multi-storey car park forwards. The investment, secured via the Getting Building Fund, will see the provision of around 300 car parking spaces; multiple charging points for electric vehicles and roof-mounted photovoltaic panels to provide a source of sustainable energy. Councillors have also been discussing another key feature - a green ‘living wall’ to help improve air quality and minimise the visual impact of the car park.
The council aims to have the project completed by the end of January 2022 – part of its bid to become carbon neutral by 2024, with the whole of the district becoming carbon neutral by 2030.
The news comes as the construction of nearby Winchester Sport and Leisure Park continues to progress to completion. The former Vaultex site is two minutes’ walk away from the new leisure centre, and the new car parking facility will support access to the Sport and Leisure Park and adjoining facilities.
Cabinet member for Service Quality & Transformation – which includes responsibility for parking, Cllr Martin Tod, said:
"It’s been a great team effort to drive this forward and bring this funding to Winchester. The new site is going to be better for commuters and visitors, as well as offering much needed electric vehicle charging points. It's also another step forward for the city, as we find alternative ways for people to conveniently and easily access the town without needing to take their car right into the centre.”