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A multi-storey car park for Preston’s under-pressure hospital site remains very much on hold say hospital chiefs despite pressure from an MP.
Maya Ellis, MP for the Ribble Valley constituency which includes large swathes of the north of Preston, indicated the long-mooted car park may be back on the table.
But Blog Preston understands while the desire to build the car park remains there are no immediate plans to re-apply for planning permission for the Fulwood site which has now lapsed.
A proposal in 2014 was approved for a 680-space car park on the Sharoe Green Lane side of the hospital but it was shelved in 2018 due to a ‘challenging financial position’.
Blog Preston understands that while the Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is beginning to look at more community spaces for delivering healthcare such as the long-held desire for a city centre health hub, which would ease pressure on the Fulwood-based hospital, no clear site is identified for the car park beyond the original plans which earmarked land opposite the St Claire’s entrance to the hospital.
The NHS trust also remains in a significantly challenged financial position – recently ranked near the bottom of a new government league table because of its poor financial performance.
A new hospital – due to be out by the Cuerden motorway junctions and to replace Royal Preston Hospital – was put back by the Labour government with 2037 now the earliest any new hospital for the city is built. The decision to site it outside the city boundaries, and within South Ribble, led to criticism from political leaders.
Ms Ellis said in a statement released on social media last week she had met with the estates team for an update about the car park and parking situation at the hospital.
The Labour MP said: “Earlier this month [October], I was able to meet with the senior team at Royal Preston Hospital (RPH) and push them on whether plans are now being taken seriously to introduce a multi-story car park.
“Over the past year, I’ve spoken to residents, Hospital staff and union representatives about the issues caused by a lack of parking at Royal Preston Hospital, and I know it’s something that would make a huge difference if sorted. Getting to work or visiting a loved one receiving care shouldn’t be made more difficult by a constant scramble for spaces.
“I was really pleased that the team at Royal Preston have confirmed that there are now plans for a potential multi-storey car park on the table. My priority now will be to keep the pressure on RPH to ensure that these plans progress and are put in place as soon as feasibly possible.
“I was also assured that a review is currently taking place around how staff allocation of parking is determined to ensure it is offered to those most in need, and in the fairest way.
“I’ll keep in close conversation with the Estates team at Royal Preston Hospital to see how potential parking plans develop and look forward to a solution which works for staff, patients and visitors.”
A spokesperson for Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said they had no comment to make on the car park plans at this stage, when approached by Blog Preston.
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