Car park is closed as Millbay plan progresses

NEW HOMES PROJECT IS DESIGNED TO BE 'CAR-FREE'

- WILLIAM TELFORD

A PLYMOUTH car park has been permanently closed to make way for a £33.5 million waterfront “boulevard” housing development – which has hardly any parking.

The Martin Street car park, in Millbay, has shut so preliminary work can be carried out before the land is built on with 136 homes, but just 26 parking spaces.

Planning permission has been granted for the new “eco-friendly” neighbourhood, sandwiched between Martin Street and Bath Street, which includes“affordable” homes, communal gardens, play areas, a convenience store and a cafe.

The development, part of a much-heralded “boulevard” vision for the area, is also being badged as “car-free” and it is hoped that it will attract “non-car-users” to live in it.