Perth’s “outmoded” Canal Street car park could be in line for a £1.5m upgrade following concerns over a plethora of faults that have been highlighted.
Members of Perth and Kinross Council’s enterprise and infrastructure committee will decide whether to go ahead with the changes, which will include introducing a pay on foot system at the facility.
Councillors will hear details of problems identified with the car park in a report drawn up by Charles Haggart, the council’s traffic and network manager. These include “dangerous” ramp surfaces, exit ramps being “narrow, worn and dated,” and the top two floors being closed due to poor waterproofing.
“Despite the car park being open at all times, it is perceived as being outmoded and unattractive by customers,” Mr Haggart’s report states.
His report also reveals the car park’s surface, bay markings and painting are worn and dated, directional signage is dated and the lighting is worn and perceived to be of a poor standard.
He also says pay and display ticket issuing machines are worn, dated and not ‘user-friendly.’
The proposed £1.5m upgrade would see walls and columns painted with soot band to stop decolourisation from exhaust fumes and result in upgraded signage and road markings. Parking for motorcycles will be improved along with better access for Shopmobility vehicles.
In addition, new wheel stops will be fitted to parking bays, stairs will be resurfaced and lighting renewed.
The modernisation will also include upgrading fire alarm and detection systems, ventilation, heating, water and lighting.
Councillor John Kellas, convener of the enterprise and infrastructure committee, said: “I am confident that city centre businesses and visitors will welcome improvements to Canal Street car park.
“I am positive it will encourage more people to come to the city centre to spend the day shopping and visit our cultural attractions.”
Perth City South councillor Alexander Stewart said: “The Canal Street car park has for some time been looking tired, neglected and has not been well patronised.
“I and my Conservative colleagues have been suggesting this at budget meetings for over a decade because we could see the value for both visitors and the business community.”
The Canal Street car park was built in the 1980s and has 439 parking spaces on nine levels.