Five years of rolling refurbishments are planned for Park Street car park in Cambridge

An extensive underground car park has been ruled out.

Park Street car park is set to undergo a five-year programme of rolling refurbishments while plans are further developed for the long term redevelopment of the site.

Cambridge Investment Partnership (CIP) previously explored building a three or four storey underground car park with council housing and commercial units above the multi storey car park, but this was ruled out in August as it was labelled too expensive, and not a site where council housing could be viably developed.

The possibility of refurbishing the car park to extend its use for a 15 year period has also been explored but will not be recommended to go forward as it would involve closing the car park completely for six months.

Cllr Lewis Herbert, leader of the council, said: “Now that the first proposal for a major underground car park plus housing and commercial space at Park Street has been ruled out, we are determined to ensure we find the best possible solution for the site.

“That includes a commitment to retaining an appropriate level of car parking at Park Street, and making the most of the site for the wider community in Cambridge and beyond.

“We need to ensure any future refurbishment or redevelopment fits in with wider plans. These include proposals for reducing congestion by increasing use of Park and Rides, much better public transport, and wider future plans for the city’s transport infrastructure currently being discussed by the Greater Cambridge Partnership.

“We also need to make sure that the needs of residents, visitors and businesses are satisfied by the chosen scheme, with any disruption kept to a minimum.”

Councillors will discuss the report on November 13.