Plans for a new 1,600-space staff car park at University Hospital, Coventry have been approved at a meeting of Coventry City Council planners.

Construction work will start soon on the car park, which will be located on land to the east of the hospital site, with developers expecting it to be ready in Summer 2021.

The new car park aims to enhance the overall experience for staff, patients and visitors accessing the hospital, as well as improving vital access for emergency vehicles and public transport.

The development will increase parking capacity for patients and visitors at the front of the hospital. The main entry and exit point for the new car park will be onto Clifford Bridge Road via the existing routes.

The car park is being delivered by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust’s development partner Prime and construction company Montel Civil Engineering.

Will Bilbrough, Development Director, Prime said: “We are delighted that the plans have been approved and that work can now begin on this much-needed car park for the University Hospital Coventry. We worked closely with the Trust and Coventry City Council throughout the planning process to overcome the challenges involved in developing a site of this nature.”

Professor Andy Hardy, Chief Executive Officer, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust said: “We are extremely grateful to Coventry City Council for listening to the views of our patients and staff. This new car park will hopefully transform the experience for our patients, visitors and staff.

“This development will allow us to offer additional secure car parking to our dedicated and deserving staff, who work around the clock to care for patients.

“Car parking has historically been one of the biggest issues we face as a Trust. I’m excited that we will soon be able to improve everybody’s overall experience.”

The new car park will include 34 active Electric Vehicle charging spaces and 46 passive charging spaces, 34 motorcycle parking spaces and 160 bicycle parking spaces. It will be accessed via the main hospital entrance off Clifford Bridge Road.