Revamp planned for ageing Leeds car park

The future of a 40-year-old Leeds city centre car park is to be discussed by councillors.

Leeds City Council intends to refurbish Woodhouse Lane multi-storey car park so that it serves the new Leeds Arena, which is due to open in 2013.

The other main arena car park will be at the Merrion Centre.

The cost of the work on the car park, which was built in 1968, will be funded by the budget for the Leeds Arena and is estimated at around £5.8m.

The Woodhouse Lane multi-storey car park caters for thousands of city centre shoppers, workers and students daily.

Leeds City Council said to bring it up to the required standards, essential concrete repair and strengthening work was planned.

Improved lighting

A new stair and lift tower and pedestrian access bridge will be built and improved lighting and CCTV surveillance will be installed.

If the proposals are approved by the council's executive board on Wednesday, work is expected to start in April 2011 and continue for 15 months.

Councillor Richard Lewis, Leeds City Council executive member responsible for city development, said: "We estimate that when the arena opens there will be more than 3,000 car parking spaces located within a few minutes of the site, and the Woodhouse Lane car park will be one of the key city centre car parks serving the arena.

"The work will also boost the construction sector as being part of the Leeds Arena project, we have made sure that training and employment opportunities are secured for local residents."