New Westgate shopping centre - disruption during works

4.14.00pm GMT Wed 20th Feb 2008

Rather unsurprisingly there's going to be some disruption to your normal shopping service if you're planning to use the Westgate Centre while it's being revamped. The Council press release below gives further details of changes to Shopmobility, the toilets and the parking machines...

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A programme of archaeological investigations and service diversions relating to the extension and partial redevelopment of the Westgate Shopping Centre have been progressing since the summer of last year, and are set to continue with excavations in the Westgate multi storey car park.

These works involve the removal of the northern end of the multi storey car park, along with service diversions around Norfolk Street and Abbey Place. These pre-commencement works are being carried out in advance of the main construction works, anticipated summer 2008.

Throughout the duration of the works, pedestrian access to the Westgate Shopping Centre will be maintained by constructing an extension to the existing bridge link and the day-to-day operation of the car park will also be maintained.

Key points relating to the works are as follows:

• Shopmobility will be relocated to the ground floor adjacent to the Car Park's management office

• The public toilets will be relocated to car park levels 3 and 4.

• Four payment machines will be located on car park levels 2, 3 and 4, while car park routes will be remodelled - all of which will be fully supported by car park staff and directional signage.

• The Westgate travelators, which have been derelict for over a decade, will be removed.

Local residents and businesses have been informed about the planned works, and a mall exhibition was held at the Westgate centre last weekend.

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