BOROUGH OF POOLE
TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY GROUP
THURSDAY 13 OCTOBER 2005
REPORT OF HEAD OF TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
ON IMPROVEMENTS TO QUAY VISITORS CAR PARK
1.Matter for Consideration
1.1To consider proposed improvements to Quay Visitors Multi-storey Car Park.
2.Recommendations
2.1It is recommended that Members approve either:
2.2The improvements listed in Appendix B in the sum of £100,000 from the Borough of Poole Capital funding, or
2.3The improvements listed in Appendix C in the sum of £150,000 using an additional element of integrated transport LTP funding.
2.4The advertising of the associated Traffic regulation Orders to rescind the one way system in part of Castle Street, as shown in Appendix D
3.Background
3.1There has been increasing concern from the Tourism industry and businesses over decreasing number of visitors to the Town and the subsequent adverse effect on the local economic vitality.
3.2Visitors to the Town arrive either by coach or by car. Declining numbers in the former are being addressed by increased promotion, welcome visitor packs and improved coach parking facilities. The latter is being addressed through simplifying car parking charges and promotional campaigns, in particular at the Quay Visitors Car Park which serves the main tourism attractions in the Town.
3.3At a ‘Poole Quay Special Conference’ held on 26 May 2004 concern was raised over the perception of the Quay Visitors Car Park which appeared unsafe and unwelcoming. Comparison was made with the new look Bournemouth Triangle Car Park cited as an example of what could be achieved.
3.4As a result Cabinet on 14 June 2005 approved funding of £100,000 from the Council’s Corporate Capital Contingency for improvements to the Quay Visitors Car Park.
4.Proposals
4.1A range of options have been developed and priced for consideration, detailed in Appendix A. Unfortunately the full range of improvements exceed the available budget. In this respect the extent of the project has been defined to meet the £100,000 budget, shown as Appendix B.
4.2There is the opportunity for further improvements by means of viring funding from elsewhere in the Integrated Transport element of the Capital Programme. In doing this would need to address specific objectives within the Local Transport Plan, primarily around traffic management improvements with regards to more direct vehicular access, accessibility for pedestrians and dealing with crime and the fear of crime.
4.3Due to problems with third party commitments a number of Integrated Transport Improvement schemes are not likely to be progressed this year. In this respect a further £50,000 could be provided for the Quay Visitors scheme, enabling the options listed in Appendix C for £150,000 to be undertaken. Full details of virements within the Capital Programme are included in a separate report to this Committee.
4.4Proposed modifications to the vehicular entry arrangement is shown as Appendix D. Allowing traffic to enter from the Strand Street direction would provide a far more direct vehicular route for drivers travelling into the car park from the Quay. This proposal would require the rescinding of the one way in a section of Castle Street back to two way.
4.5The entrance modifications described would mean that the option to have a dedicated ‘permit holders only’ lane would be lost without extensive further works. While this would limit future options which may have been negotiated with developers in providing guaranteed unrestricted access for tenants from Old Orchard House, it is considered the very real immediate benefits this provides in respect of an important Town Centre public car park are more important.
4.6It is proposed to co-ordinate this scheme with the refurbishment of the toilets planned by Environmental and consumer Protection Services.
4.7Subject to approval by this Committee, it is proposed to apply for Planning Permission in the Autumn with construction works planned for Winter 2005 / 2006.
JAMES T BRIGHT
Head of Transportation Services
Appendix A-Options for Improvements to Quay Visitors Car Park
Appendix B-Scheme 1 - £100,000
Appendix C-Scheme 2 - £150,000
Appendix D - Vehicular Entry arrangements – Castle Street
Appendix E -Extracts from Architectural drawings
Name and Telephone Number of Officer Contact:
Steve Tite (01202) 262020
TAG131005T3B
APPENDIX A
Range of Options for Improvements to Quay Visitors Car Park
1.Castle Street vehicular entrance
(a)Realignment of 2nd lane into car park and rescinding a section of ‘one-way’ in Castle Street to two-way. This will allow a far more direct vehicular route for drivers travelling from the Quay direction into the car park. £25,000
(b)Replacement of old functional blue signage with modern illuminated signage. £10,000
(c)Replacement of old canopies over entry machines with more modern glazed design. £10,000
(d)Illuminated totem pole signage.£4,000
2.Castle Street vehicular exit
(a)Removal of crash barrier and replacement with high level kerbing for security purposes. Included in 1 (a) above
(b)Replacement of old canopies over exit machines with more modern glazed design. £16,000
3.Old Orchard pedestrian entrances ( 2 No )
(a)Glazed cantilevered canopies for ramped pedestrian walkway, including illumination. £30,000
(b)Cladding and external illumination to low wall.£16,000
(c)Internal suspended ceiling and illumination for lift / stairwell lobbies.
£9,000
(d)Glazed canopy section over door, including illumination £10,000
4.Old Orchard./Strand Street corner
(a)Illuminated curved metal cladding.£34,000
5.Old Orchard – toilet area
(a)Brick paved area and seating.£2,000
(b)Render to toilet block, illuminated sign, doors and illumination.
£6,000
6.Other Costs
External fees (Architects, Quantity Surveyors etc)£8,000
Internal design fees £7,000
APPENDIX B
Scheme 1£100,000
1.Castle Street entrance
(a)External works£25,000
(b)New canopies over machines£10,000
2.Castle Street exit
(b)New canopies over machines£16,000
4.Old Orchard/Strand Street corner
(a)Illuminated cladding.£34,000
Contingencies / Fees£15,000
£100,000
APPENDIX C
Scheme 2£150,000
As scheme 1£100,000
Plus
1.Castle Street vehicular entrance
(b)Illuminated signage£10,000
2.Old Orchard pedestrian entrances
(c)Internal ceilings and illumination£9,000
(d)Canopy over pedestrian entrance and illumination £10,000
3.Old Orchard toilet area
(a)Paved area and seating£2,000
(b)External toilet block£6,000
Additional Contingencies / Fees£13,000
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£150,000
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