THE Deane Council is bracing itself for a bill of nearly £1million to repair Taunton’s multi-storey car park.
Structural repairs in the next year are likely to cost £27,500, while work on the three faltering lifts over 18 months will put the council back £57,000, the Deane’s corporate scrutiny committee heard this week.
But preventative maintenance work within five years will attract a £705,000 fee with an extra £25,000 needed for minor repairs and re-decoration.
A further £123,000 will be needed for further lifts work over five to seven years, taking the overall total to £913,000.
A structural survey was commissioned after plans were ditched to demolish the 40-year-old stack, off Paul Street, as part of a retail development currently on hold.
Parking and civil contingencies manager John Lewis, in a report to the committee, says: “A recent version of the redevelopment plans indicated that while the spiral entrance and exit ramp might be demolished the main body of the car park would be incorporated within a retail centre.
“The structure has performed well and is not in danger of failing. However, repairs and protective measures are necessary to prevent further deterioration, and to provide a parking environment which is safe and attractive to motorists.”
The lifts work is needed because ‘breakdowns are not an irregular occurrence’, while some minor repairs and re-decoration, while not essential, would enhance ‘the customer experience at a time when attracting motorists is very important’.
Mr Lewis said £245,000 has already been earmarked for the scheme, but councillors need to decide where the rest of the cash – £668,000 – comes from.
