IPSWICH: Nine months after it was closed in an emergency move, vehicles will once again be able to park on the site of the Crown car park from the end of next month.

The car park closed in October last year after an inspection found serious structural problems. The structure had suffered from “concrete cancer” for decades.

It was beyond repair, so demolition started in April and is due to be completed by the end of the month.

Once the site is clear, it is going to be levelled and turned into a surface pay and display car park which should open at the end of next month.

It will provide enough space for 227 vehicles – including 12 spaces for holders of disabled badges. The price structure was due to be confirmed today – but is expected to be in line with other borough council surface car parks in the town.

The car park will officially be only temporary and the site could ultimately be redeveloped – but officials at the borough expect it to remain in operation in the medium term.

Another “temporary” car park is due to open on the site of the former St Peter’s Ware-house near the Waterfront over the next few weeks.

Paul Clement, from Ipswich Central, said: “There is often criticism that parking is either too sparse or too expensive in Ipswich and there is no doubt that the closure of Crown car park adversely affected trade in Ipswich town centre.

“It is therefore excellent news that Crown car park is soon to open again, albeit with fewer spaces. The extra spaces at the Waterfront are well overdue and are in a great location to link the town and the waterfront.

“We now have a large number of spaces at competitive prices creating a real incentive to shop in our town.”

n Are there enough car parking spaces in Ipswich? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN.