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Search the Public Notice PortalMORE than 100 extra parking spaces will be created in the centre of a Northumberland market town.
The county council’s cabinet approved £1.5m to construct the new public car park in Morpeth, which will be built once the old leisure centre is demolished.
The demolition project is scheduled to begin in autumn.
The new scheme will extend the existing Newmarket West car park onto the site occupied by the former leisure centre, increasing parking from 62 spaces to approximately 170, delivering an additional 108 parking spaces and 10 dedicated motorcycle spaces.
Richard Wearmouth, the council’s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "Following consultation with elected members, Morpeth Town Council, local stakeholders and the Morpeth Forum, it was agreed the most appropriate interim and medium-term use for the site would be an extension to the existing Newmarket West car park.
"The timing of the demolition works has been carefully planned to avoid both the annual Morpeth Fair and the busy Christmas period, minimising disruption to residents, visitors and the town centre.
"Anyone who lives in or visits Morpeth town centre knows how difficult it can be to get parked, and this scheme will go a long way to resolving this long-standing issue.
"The next stage is to demolish this redundant building, which is now serving no purpose.
"Local residents and businesses will be kept well informed about the programme of work."
The leisure centre has been closed for more than three years.
The council explored alternative uses for the site, but market testing did not identify any commercially viable options that matched its regeneration plans for Morpeth.
David Bawn, county councillor for Morpeth North, said: "I am delighted that the Council are going to provide more parking provision in Morpeth and parking remains free.
"Morpeth is a real High Street success story, and we need to keep making Morpeth accessible.
"These extra spaces will enable this to happen."
Parking demand in Morpeth has been rising steadily and was already at 90 per cent capacity five years ago.
Projections show an annual increase of 2.7 per cent.
The scheme will also include improved public space at the southern end of the site, overlooking the river and Carlisle Park.
Construction of the car park is expected to begin in early 2027.
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