Colchester Station car park's closing for one year due to demolition

Colchester Station Car Park's covered structure, in North Station Road, has been closed for emergency repairs and demolition.

Greater Anglia confirmed the car park's top floor will be demolished due to concerns about the potential deterioration of the structure. 

The covered area houses approximately 440 spaces, including disabled bays and motorbike spaces.

The process is likely to take up to 12 months, but this is subject to change. 

Closure - fences blocking the car park off from public use (Image: Carina Ioannou)

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “Following a structural survey of the “decked” area of the Colchester station car park, which suggests potential deterioration of the structure, for safety reasons, it has been decided to close that area of the car park and demolish the upper level.

“Car park users will be able to use other parts of the station car park, which has enough capacity to accommodate all cars that have previously been parked in that area.

"Signage will be put in place to direct users to the appropriate areas, including temporary spaces for Blue Badge holders and disabled parking and for motorcycle users.

“At this stage, the timescales for the completion of the demolition process and the revised parking provision in that area of the car park have not yet been finalised, but it is likely to be up to 12 months before that area of the car park is open for parking again.

“We will keep customers informed of developments and we’re sorry for any inconvenience caused to car park users during this transitionary period.”

Demolition - another view of the car park and the alternate way to the car park (Image: Carina Ioannou)

One person who used the car park today was told to 'prepare' for the future disruption caused by these works, which she was told are expected to last 'eight months' or longer. 

Carina Ioannou said: "I have just been told to prepare for delays and disruption as they have now closed the old concrete car park at Colchester.

"The old concrete car park is cracking and being held up by props.

"Speaking to workmen they didn’t seem confident, and they scoffed when they said it would take eight months."

Information - a sign seen at the car park in January this year (Image: Daniel Rees)

Some people using the car park said the uncovered area was full to the brim by 10am, however, Greater Anglia refute these claims. 

Carina continued: "There is currently one road in and one road out for cars which will be made during busy times.

"The uncovered car park area was full already at 10am."

Another rail traveller raised concerns for senior citizens and people with mobility issues.

Sandra Jones, 74, a consistent rail traveller, said: “It will be a lot further for senior citizens to walk and thinking back to the winter conditions it won't be a very smooth journey.

“We travel by train quite often as my husband, John, doesn't like to drive long distances and it's going to be quite a pain when we use the car park.

“It’s going to be difficult for people whose mobility is not that great, and a year seems an awfully long time.

“To think if you’ve had a nice day out and then have a long walk back to the car park, it’s a bit of a nuisance.”