The ageing multi-storey car park in West Bromwich town centre is to be closed in the next few weeks ready for demolition in the near future.

The car park, which opened in the early 1970s, is to be closed to shoppers in early October.

Demolishing the car park – which has needed regular repairs to stay open and become too costly to maintain – will pave the way for new development boosting the Bull Street end of the town.

The car park has not been fully operational since the upper levels and the lifts became unserviceable about four years ago and had attracted anti-social behaviour including dangerous car racing.

Notices are being put up at the car park, giving details six weeks ahead of the closure date of 6th October and advising motorists of alternative car parking spaces in the town centre area. Councillor Bob Lloyd, Sandwell Council’s cabinet member for inclusive economic growth, said:

“The car park played a big part in the creating of the town centre shopping centre in the 1970s but it no longer meets shoppers’ needs.

“It’s not a very popular car park now and the costs of keeping it going are increasing year on year and have become unsustainable.

“After demolition the site will become a vital part of the jigsaw of development being planned for the town centre by our regeneration team. This will bring new benefits for local people and visiting shoppers.”

Further information about town centre parking can be found at sandwell.gov.uk/westbromparking.