The 333-space, five-storey facility will replace the current street entry level Victoria Street car park in the city centre and will also provide three electric vehicle charging bays. Tony McDonough reports.

City planners have given the go-ahead for a £6.5m multi-storey car park in Liverpool – despite opposition from environmental campaigners.

The 333-space, five-storey facility will replace the current street entry level Victoria Street car park in the city centre.

It will provide 15 motorcycle and 28 cycle spaces as well as three electric vehicle charging bays.

Adjoining the car park will also be a three storey block designed to accommodate restaurant/bar units with a rooftop terrace – and outdoor seating due to a wider pavement area.

The scheme, funded by Liverpool City Council, has been designed to reduce congestion and pollution caused by the current 121-space car park, which does not publicise spaces causing motorists to circle the site waiting for an available spot.

Expected to be open by late November 2017, the new car park will also lead to the planting of 90 new trees around the Victoria Street area which will offset the loss of 38 currently on site.

Councillor Malcolm Kennedy, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: “Victoria Street is a vital artery in Liverpool’s retail core and a high quality car park will provide a huge boost for surrounding businesses such as the Metquarter.

“The scale of the investment and creation of a new leisure attraction will also help accelerate the regeneration that is beginning to take place there.

“The current car park is not fit for purpose – offering no bays for blue badge holders, cyclist or motorcyclists.”

The Green Party is opposing the development claiming it will lead to increased air pollution in the city centre, as well as a loss of 36 mature trees.

To be built by contractors Willmott Dixon, with construction expected to begin by late February, the new car park will be accessed from Crosshall Street with exits on Sir Thomas Street.

Both the car parks and leisure building will be clad in coursed stone with large glazed openings.