Jul 27 - Proposal For Hargrave's Parade Car Park Rejected By DPC
An outline planning application for a four-storey car park and storage facility at Hargrave’s Parade was unanimously rejected by members of the Development and Planning Commission.
The proposal was brought forward by Steven Martinez of Arc Designs, who talked through the proposal for two floors of a storage facility on the lower floors which would need to be excavated, two floors of car parking with an entrance at Prince Edward’s Road and a multi-use sports pitch on the top floor.
Residents and people online have raised their concerns about the project, stating that it is the loss of one of the last open spaces in the Upper Town area.
Local resident Maggie Traverso, who has lived next to Hargrave’s Parade for nearly 42 years, said it was outrageous to suggest this idea, adding that it’s been used by people of all ages as a place to kick a ball, learn to ride their bikes, roller blade and even a place for mothers and toddlers to meet.
More than 500 residents and supports have signed an online petition against the development.
Another resident, George Macquisten said the car park is out of character with the surrounding area and would cause a backlog of vehicles coming in and out of the car park, disrupting traffic on a busy road.
Deputy Town Planner Paul Naughton-Rumbo said the main concerns with the facility were the loss of a playground and the loss of an open space in the Upper Town area, and providing a sports area on top of the building is not conducive as it will not be enjoyed by the people in the area as it will not be overlooked.
He said planning permission for a development on the site has been refused in the past, it is not in keeping with the local architecture, the access is not acceptable and it would not solve parking problems in the area in any case. There will be a loss of street parking in the area as well, and what would happen if the car lifts break down in the car park.
He said: "Hargrave’s Parade is a unique, urban recreational open space adding that it has historical value, especially when you look at the wider area.
“It is a well-used space and provides a lung in the upper town.”
Mr Naughton-Rumbo said that although it is an elegant design, they have concerns about the practicality of the use of the site in terms of storage and it would attract additional traffic to the area.
In other news, plans to restore the former Police Station in Irish Town into offices and a public gallery was given the nod of approval by members of the DPC.
The outline planning application put forward by developers is to re-use the existing building into commercial office space and to allow public access to a ground-floor gallery that will feature memorabilia associated with the Royal Gibraltar Police.
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