SIMON Corbell says the number of available parking spaces in the Magistrates Court and adjacent car parks will increase during the construction phase of Capital Metro stage one.

“While up to half of the Magistrates Court car park will be used as a compound during the construction period reconfiguration of the car park will limit the temporary reduction of spaces on the site to just 70 while reconfiguration and expansion of the neighbouring theatre car park will increase spaces on that site by 90, an overall increase of 20 spaces across the two sites,” Simon said.

“Following close consultation with businesses and stakeholders in Civic, the ACT Government has decided to proceed with the option of reconfiguring the existing Magistrates Court and theatre car parks, which will deliver about 20 extra car spaces in the area.

“Reconfiguration of the Magistrates Court car park will allow for about 200 parking spaces on the site, down from 270 currently, and expansion of the adjacent theatre car park by 90 spaces will actually increase the overall number of spaces between the two car parks.

“Reconfiguration and expansion of the two car parks will cause the least disruption to local businesses, the least disruption to parking and is a cost effective option.

“We have worked closely with key stakeholders, including tenants of the Melbourne and Sydney Buildings, and have heard their preferences and concerns about the need to maintain the current level of parking in the city.

“Reconfiguring the parking spaces will take about six months and will be staged to limit the impact on available parking.”

Work on the car parks and the construction compound may start this year after a works approval is gained from the National Capital Authority.

Construction of Capital Metro stage one is set to begin following an announcement on the successful bidding consortium this year.