Bayside Council is looking at options to boost parking in Brighton-Le-Sands including redeveloping the existing council-owned car park.
A study found that there was a shortfall of up to 211 car spaces in the beachside suburb area- up from the existing 2,595 spaces.
Importantly, most of the existing spaces are almost always occupied.
Saturdays are the busiest time for drivers looking for a park- with around 96 per cent of car spaces occupied.
The minimum occupancy rate reaches between 45 to 60 per cent and is in the early hours of the day.
The study found that 167 spaces would need to be added to bring the occupancy rate to a more manageable rate of 85 per cent. That would be boosted to 211 spaces if factoring in future growth.
A report to Bayside Council in August said the council-owned Boulevarde car park had been identified as an ‘aged’ asset in need of renewal.
‘’The asset will form a key part of providing an ‘off street’ solution to the current and forecast car parking shortfall in Brighton Le Sands,’’ the report said.
Council said they had already received enquiries from developers and adjoining property owners interested in the car park.
Former Bayside Council Administrator Greg Wright endorsed a decision to put out an expression of interest to address the parking shortfall including options for the Boulevarde car park.
Savills Australia has been chosen to undertake the process.
It said suitably qualified organisations will be short listed for the request for proposals process that will happen later this year or in early 2018.
