Stafford Street car park will be revamped as part of the town centre regeneration works.
That was the pledge this week from Town and Borough Councillor Eric Carter.
The £750,000 regeneration work, focussing on the High Street, is scheduled to start in earnest on June 28. Plans have now been all-but finalised and have been on public display at the Guildhall and Newport Library.
But planners are looking at ways to incorporate other areas into the revamp, money permitting, including Stafford Street car park and St Mary Street.
Councillor Carter believes that 30 to 40 new parking spaces can be added by re-planning the area and making use of the dirt road near Waitrose.
He said: “We are talking about making that dirt road a proper entrance into the town which would free up more space.
“Work is starting on the new toilets in the car park very soon.
“What we will be left with is a very, very complete town and much more attractive.”
Stuart Freeman, Telford & Wrekin Service Deliver Manager for Highways and Transport, confirmed that the work will go ahead if there is any money left in the kitty following the priority High Street works.
He said: “We know that it is something that local members want to see.
“We would be seeking to take over areas referred to as waste land in the car park and redesign the layout.
“The key will be to work with the McCarthy & Stone development around there.
“If we can identify the funding to support the work, we will.
“We should have an indication of that as the main project progresses.”
Councillor Carter vowed to push as had as he could to make it happen.
He said: “I will be negotiating to make sure we deliver it.”
St Mary Street’s pavements will also be re-laid in keeping with the new-look High Street – if there are available funds.
The cobbles on the road and authentic street lights would remain, however.
The long-anticipated regeneration works remain on course to start next week.
Planners will be walking the streets from Monday with the first diggers expected on site in a fortnight.
By Sean Wozencroft
