Work starts on new city centre multi-storey car park

Work has started on a new 730-space multi-storey car park in Stoke-on-Trent city centre – that will allow the city to plan for the future, support the economy and provide modern and secure parking spaces for residents and visitors.

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 which is creating a new mixed-use district in the city.

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.

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.

Cllr James Smith, cabinet support member for regeneration at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “This is another major milestone in the ongoing regeneration of the city centre and highlights our commitment to powering up Stoke-on-Trent. As Smithfield and the wider city centre area continues to grow and expand, it’s vital we have first class infrastructure like this multi-storey car park, which will provide high-quality facilities for shoppers and visitors. Designed with the ability to fit out new electrical charging and emerging technologies, this car park will ultimately support what is on offer not just now but for generations to come as we build back better and plan for the future.”

In 2020, Genr8 had plans for the next phase of development at Smithfield  approved, which will see 3 Smithfield, a 62,000 sq. ft. Grade A office building, being delivered. The delivery 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. 

Alan Hall, Projects Director partner at Genr8 Developments, said: “This multi-storey car park marks another major step forward in the Smithfield scheme. It will form an important piece of the masterplan to service not only current and future phases at Smithfield but the wider city centre community.”

The multi-storey car park is being built by Willmott Dixon, who have previously worked on the Hilton Garden Inn and Clayworks apartments at Smithfield.

Anthony Dillon, managing director for Willmott Dixon in the North, said: “We are delighted to once again be working with the city council and Genr8, to deliver a much-needed parking facility at the heart of the exciting and transformational Smithfield quarter of Stoke-on-Trent.”