Talks held into sale of Waitrose car park in Christchurch

Residents will be given their say before any deals are finalised for the Bypass car park near Waitrose.

BCP Council agreed to sell the car park to Christchurch Town Council earlier this year.

Town councillors had previously said the exchange would “help to keep Waitrose in the town”, after concerns had been raised about the supermarket’s performance.

Members were given the latest updates on the potential purchase during November’s full town council meeting.

James Atkinson, acting town clerk, said the negotiations with BCP Council were “ongoing”.

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The Premises Project Board had met to review the purchase and considered the terms of the sale, while BCP Council was engaging with a legal team, Mr Atkinson said.

It was also noted the car park was being valued by an independent surveyor, and that a report would be brought forward once the value and proposed purchase price had been finalised.

Members heard that any purchase would require a combination of the council’s reserves and borrowing, and residents would need to be consulted on any borrowing.

It was resolved that Mr Atkinson would organise and publish a consultation once the borrowing requirements are understood.

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Throughout the meeting, members made various comments and asked questions on the potential sale, including a possible repayment term, current parking provisions, existing permit parking, and the scope of the public consultation.

This round of discussions into the car park’s sale began in July when Councillor Michael Tarling tabled a motion at a full council meeting to establish a group to investigate the purchase.

Then, BCP Council made the decision to sell the car park at a meeting in September – but said the sale could only be to Christchurch Town Council.

It was one of four assets agreed for sale at the meeting, the others being facilities in Adastral Square in Canford Heath, St Ambrose Cottage in Westbourne – home to support services – and 27 High Street in Christchurch – used by a youth group.