Work starts on new car park at Seven Brethren

Construction has commenced on a new long-stay car park at Seven Brethren in Barnstaple.

The new car park, located adjacent to the football pitches at Tarka Tennis Centre and Seven Brethren Recycling Centre, is set to accommodate 340 vehicles upon its completion in August.

The initiative, undertaken by local contractor SEL Clarke and overseen by Tarka Living Limited, is poised to provide much-needed parking solutions for residents and visitors alike.

Notably, it will also serve as the new home for the annual Barnstaple Fair, an event that draws crowds every September.

Councillor Malcolm Prowse, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration at North Devon Council said: "I'm delighted work on the new Seven Brethren car park is under way. When complete, the car park will serve as a new long-stay option for those working in or visiting Barnstaple, and will be the new home for Barnstaple Fair when it comes to town every September."

Efforts are being made to minimise disruption to local businesses and existing car parks throughout the construction process. 

Activity will be carefully managed to avoid peak hours wherever possible, and no significant closures are anticipated. 

However, a brief closure of the footpath alongside the artificial grass pitches is expected in May to facilitate necessary construction work.

"The council has been working closely with Tarka Living Limited to deliver the Seven Brethren regeneration," Councillor Prowse explained. 

"As well as the new long-stay car park and traveller toleration site, the scheme will deliver new homes on the site of the now-demolished old leisure centre and flood defences."

The project has received support from the government's Land Release Fund (LRF), with a grant of £2.2 million awarded to the council in 2019.

The LRF has aimed to assist councils in unlocking land for residential development, aligning with the broader objectives of the Seven Brethren regeneration initiative.