The decision has been made by Warwick District Council, who have been closely monitoring the structure of the building for several years. Parts of the facility were sealed off in 2019 and more recently there have been ongoing issues of anti-social behaviour culminating in growing concerns about health and safety to the public. The Council’s Cabinet will therefore consider a report on the demolition of the car park at their February meeting.

In preparation for the closure, the Council has put in place plans to reduce the impact of the loss of the car park and to minimise any disruption to residents, businesses, and visitors.

The Covent Garden surface car park will remain open, and alternative car parking is available at St Peter’s MSCP, Adelaide Bridge, and the Council HQ at Riverside House. Drivers are also encouraged to use the car parks in Old Town such as Court Street and Bath Place where you can park all day for £3. More information will be shared at Covent Garden market on 29 January and on the council’s website.

Covent Garden season ticket and permit holders have already been notified of the closure and offered alternative parking options.

Warwick District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services, Councillor Moira-Ann Grainger commented:

“Although this has been a difficult decision, our priority must be the ongoing safety of car park users and the public.”

“This closure isn’t unexpected, with over half of the car park already closed it has been long recognised that the car park was reaching the end of its useable life. Despite this closure, we are confident that there is sufficient parking in place to offset the temporary loss of spaces. We are working closely with the local community and businesses to ensure there is adequate parking to support the town centre future needs.”

If the demolition of the car park is approved, the Council will continue to work in partnership with the Leamington Transformation Board to bring the site forward as part of their ambitious programme of work to renew and regenerate Royal Leamington Spa town centre.

This will be in tandem with other schemes currently underway including Spencer Yard and the Creative Quarter, with opportunities under consideration to bring both public services and key community facilities together in one location such as new car and cycle parks, and one-stop access to health and community services.

See Covent Garden multi-storey car park for further details.