Bedford Place Businesses Fear for Future as City Council Considers Selling Car Park

Strategic Insights -

Business owners in Southampton's Bedford Place have expressed concerns about the potential sale of the Amoy Street car park, which they fear will negatively impact trade in the area. The city council's decision to consider selling the land as part of its Asset Development and Disposal Programme (ADDP) has sparked an online petition with over 400 signatures, with many residents and business owners opposing the plan.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Southampton City Council is considering selling Amoy Street car park as part of its Asset Development and Disposal Programme (ADDP), which has sparked concerns among local business owners.
  • The sale of the car park could put pressure on the smaller Wilton Avenue short stay car park, potentially deterring people from visiting the area.
  • Caroline French, owner of W. J. French & Son, the oldest independent shoe shop in Hampshire, stated that the sale of the car park would make it more difficult for elderly and children to access the area.
  • Staff and customers at Happy Bean Coffee Bar and W. J. French & Son are actively trying to stop the sale of the car park, with an online petition gathering over 400 signatures.
  • The sale of the car park could have serious consequences for local businesses, including increased competition for parking spaces and decreased accessibility for customers.
  • Southampton City Council's cabinet member for economic development, Cllr Sarah Bogle, stated that the disposal of the land could provide much-needed new homes or development opportunities for the Polygon area.

Statistics:

  • 54 parking spaces in the north and south sections of the Amoy Street car park are being considered for disposal by the city council.
  • Over 400 people have signed an online petition to reverse the council's decision to consider selling the land.
  • The Amoy Street car park is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, with many shops and café owners relying on the available parking space to attract customers.
  • The Potential sale of the car park could have a significant impact on local businesses, with many owners expressing concerns about decreased accessibility and competition for parking spaces.
  • The Asset Development and Disposal Programme (ADDP) is a Southampton City Council initiative aimed at disposing of underutilized assets to support future development options.

Sources:

  • "Amoy Street car park could be replaced with houses" by Echo news (no date specified)
  • Southampton City Council - Asset Development and Disposal Programme (no date specified)
  • Online petition to stop the sale of Amoy Street car park (no date specified)