Part of Allen Place car park closed to ensure public safety

Sunday, 6 March 2016

The Allen Place car park ramps will be closed to traffic and removed and the elevated part of the car park closed, to ensure public safety.

Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM said Council was aware that the ramps were ageing and had been undertaking regular safety checks of them.

"Council has undertaken regular safety inspections and also spent significant amounts over the years to keep the ramps in operation," Councillor Fowler said.

"The ramps are 40 years old and nearing the end of their effective life. However, the unexpected rapid rate of deterioration means we have no choice but to remove the ramps now.

"Public safety, of course, comes first and this issue is one of immediate and serious concern for public risk. Council has no alternative but to remove the ramps. This will make the car park inaccessible.

The car park structure apart from the ramps remains safe.

Due to the closure 80 public spots, mainly used by commuters, and access to paid parking spots in the Trade Centre building will also be unavailable.

Council will provide an extra 120 spots near Woodriff Gardens (Tennis courts opposite Jane Street).

"Although not as central to the CBD, we believe Woodriff Gardens is the best initial outcome, especially for commuters as it is still reasonably close to the rail line," Mayor Fowler said.

"In recent times more car parking spots have been made available including an extra 50 spots at Judges Car Park, Transport NSW has provided an extra 90 spots near the railway station and there are 80 extra spots with the re-opening of the Thornton access road to the North Penrith Car Park.

"Council is currently working on longer term solutions to Allen Place and CBD car parking in general."

Information contained within this news release was correct as at Sunday, 6 March 2016.