Gem of a car park that has the wow factor
AN UNDERGROUND architectural gem will be opened to the public this week. Sweeping staircases and distinct lighting link four storeys of sharp contemporary design which might put the visitor in mind of the Gug- genheim Museum, in New York.
But this is, in fact . . . a car park.
That, though, is not how Q Park manager Kyle Slawson sees the creation that will be used by thousands of shoppers when Liverpool One opens tomorrow.
“I would love to hold the MTV music awards after-show party in here,” he said. “Is there a bigger and more appropriate space in Liverpool?”
Standing between the bold lines of the car ramp picked out in fluorescent blue and a public stairwell that appears to be based on a windmill, Mr Slawson’s ambitions do not seem out of place.
He said: “We’re a Dutch company and I think what we’ve tried to do is introduce the best of what you’d find in European design.
“It’s the first and the last thing you have to do when you go shopping and it should be a pleasure.
“We want people to have an experience that starts in the car park that’s got a wow factor.”
The sheer scale of the building produces the intended intake of breath.
Nearly 2,000 oversized spaces have been dug into the ground beneath the new One Park West building on The Strand, and the car park reaches as far as John Lewis and Debenhams, under Lord Street.
Being a Dutch company, the car park also contains 100 bicycle racks. Immaculately attired staff can also produce 200 umbrellas or even 20 baby pushchairs for forgetful mums.
There is even a golf buggy to whisk shoppers who have bought more bags than their arms can carry to their cars. The image of public car parks in Britain is often one of graffiti, danger, and stark and smelly staircases filled with foul litter.
But that has no place in Q Park’s futuristic vision. Sixty CCTV cameras oversee the complex and a central lodge are linked back to headquarters in Maastricht, Holland.
Around 30 members of staff on site are there to make sure the granite steps and brilliant white walls are kept pristine.
Across the road, the 500-space Liver Street Q Park won a prestigious Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) award last year.
Mr Slawson said: “We’re hoping to top that this time.”
But, despite these high aspirations, he points out that the basics have not been overlooked.
Prices are intended to undercut other local tariffs, and a huge Shopmobility suite lies behind glass doors on the second floor. Debenhams has a shop and collect point and a stylish bridge connects directly to John Lewis’s.
The many signs make it relatively easy to navigate the huge area.
Each space is painted onto the floor and has been designed to allow car doors to open.
And a huge ventilation system is capable of clearing a smoke-logged level within 25 seconds.
Mr Slawson said: “The Strand has been a nightmare for so long, but now I think everyone will think it has all been worth it.”
