Exeter City Council (ECC) has announced proposals to turn the city's now flattened old bus station into a car park. Demolition work at the site on Bampfylde Street finished in April and at that time the council said it was considering temporary uses until longer-term plans such as a redevelopment with new buildings and uses were confirmed. However, at a special meeting of its executive meeting yesterday, August 13, a new vision for the site was shared as part of a report proposing to hike parking charges across Exeter to help the council balance its books.
As part of its financial plan, it is looking to generate new income by having a car park next to the new bus station and leisure centre St Sidwell's Point. It comes at a time when the council is selling off Mary Arches Street car park in the city centre as a development site. The fate of Magdalen Street car park has also been uncertain because last year it was identified as being a possible site for new homes within the draft Exeter Local Plan.
Read next: Exeter pub hunts for new tenants after shock closure Devon fashion shops to close as owner dispels rumours Executive members agreed to start a consultation on the proposed fee changes and new car park plans. Green councillor Diana Moore, who spoke at yesterday's meeting, has accused the council of having 'lost the plot'. In a statement today, August 14, she said: "A new car park, right next to St Sidwell’s Point, a place which is meant to be a showcase for sustainability.