New Worcester secondary school struck next to multi-storey

The multi-storey car park is proposed for land off Nunnery Way in Worcester, near Worcestershire Royal Hospital which residents hope will reduce pressure on parking and ease congestion.

Plans for the 850 space car park will go on show later this month and could be handed in as part of a joint application, including plans for a 600 place secondary school, run by multi-academy trust Oasis Community Learning.

Andrew Cross, a Green Party city councillor for Leopard Hill and a county councillor for Warndon Parish, intends to view the plans when they go on display at Lyppard Hub in Ankerage Green in Warndon Villages in Worcester on Wednesday, July 17 between 1pm and 7pm.

GREEN: Andrew Cross says more infrastructure may simply generate more traffic congestion and harm to the environment (Image: Andrew Cross (Green Party))

He said further considerations were that 'building a car park won’t reduce the number of cars going to/from the site every day' and that 'a school stuck between a multi story car park and a dual carriageway isn’t very nice'.

He added: "The school is already years behind schedule and over budget – how does that fit the profile of the democratic “bulge”?"

Cllr Cross said it should be considered whether speed limits on the A4440 dual carriageway should be dropped to 40mph and whether the car park in County Hall could be opened up for hospital car parking (especially now County Hall is closed).

BUSY: Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester (Image: Newsquest)

He also argues that the city needs investment in infrastructure to encourage walking and cycling and that 'more car infrastructure just brings more cars'.

He said: "There has been a significant problem of peak-time congestion on the hospital site for well over a year. City Cllr Katie Collier and I have several times witnessed drivers queueing for over an hour to leave. It is acknowledged that idling vehicles and traffic congestion adversely impact local air quality.

RECOMMENDED READING: Multi-storey car park near Worcester hospital reaction

RECOMMENDED READING: Multi-storey car park near Worcestershire Royal Hospital

"I asked county council a few weeks ago to explore interim measures such as peak-time traffic lights at the roundabout between Newtown Road and Woodgreen Drive, to help people exit the hospital site. But that is only a sticking plaster. The main cause is people having to drive because bus service and cycling infrastructure here in Worcester are inadequate."

"As for the new school, many local residents have struggled with getting school places for their children. County council officers advise there is a demographic ‘bulge’ that means local school places are not sufficient to meet demand. Growing demand for SEN and lack of provision is a major factor in County council budgetary overspend."

A spokesperson for Worcestershire County Council said: “The drop-in information session is an opportunity for local residents to find out more about plans for a new car park and share their views on the proposed development.”