Coffs Harbour could need up to $60 million in new multi-level car parks to keep pace with a city centre growing faster than its parking supply, with council modelling pointing to a shortfall of several hundred spaces within 15 years.
The city currently has around 7,000 parking spaces in its centre, made up of 3,810 public spaces and 3,200 private or commercial spaces. Council modelling indicates between 750 and 900 additional public spaces may be needed by 2041 to keep up with growth.
Multi-level car parks are considered the most efficient way to close the gap, but would require an estimated $40 million to $60 million in council investment. Potential funding sources on the table include pay parking, government grants or a public-private partnership.
Six sites have been identified as potential locations for new or expanded multi-level car parks: the Castle Street car park, the Earl Street/Park Avenue car park, the Park Avenue car park, the Gordon Street/Albany Street car park, the Elbow Street car park and the Lyster Street car park. The Gordon Street/Albany Street site is council’s preferred option, and could potentially involve a public-private partnership with the NSW Government for a consolidated workplace hub.
City Planning and Communities Director Ian Fitzgibbon said no decisions had been made on the way forward.
“There are lots of things on the table and it’s crucial that Council has no formal opinion on how parking should look going forward,” Mr Fitzgibbon said.
Smaller measures are also being considered, including improved line marking, which could lift supply by 5 to 10 per cent in some areas, and around 80 new on-street spaces along the renamed Solitary Islands Way once the Bypass opens in late December.
A discussion paper on the City Centre Parking Plan is on public exhibition for 42 days, with submissions closing on Tuesday, 6 October, at haveyoursay.coffsharbour.nsw.gov.au.
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, North Coast Times Engage