Hospital car parks will "stop parking on roads"

Sandwell's NHS trust has been given the green light to build car parks at Sandwell General and City Hospital, increasing capacity by around 1,000 across the two sites.

Both hospitals have been hampered by a shortage of parking spaces over recent years, which has led to increased parking on nearby roads to the frustration of residents.

James Pollitt, the trust's associate director of strategic development, said it was hoped the situation would improve once the car parks were built.

Both hospitals will be scaled down when the Midland Metropolitan University Hospital opens in Smethwick in 2022. A new medical centre is being built at the Sandwell Hospital site, further increasing the need for parking spaces.

Mr Pollitt said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission, which will address a long-standing concern for our dedicated workforce.

"Our schemes will include electric charge vehicle provision and will help us to tackle parking on neighbouring streets. The trust continues to invest in supporting other modes of travel as part of our net-zero commitment.”

Car park operator Q-Park and its development partner Prime are assisting the trust with the plans.

Ewan Forsyth, Prime’s development director, said: “These consents allow us to take the first steps towards delivering much-needed infrastructure for the rrust to help achieve its strategic vision and deliver affordable, high-quality facilities that improve the patient, visitor and staff experience.”

Adam Bidder, managing director of Q-Park UK, said: “We’re delighted to have received planning permission, especially in these uncertain times when high-quality facilities on hospital sites are so important.

“Building the multi-storey car parks has the potential to improve the quality of access and parking at both Sandwell General Hospital and City Hospital to enhance the patient, visitor and staff experience.”