originally published in Property Week by Federica Buricco, Associate in CRTKL’s London office, here.
In 1970, Joni Mitchell’s hit ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ proclaimed “they paved paradise and put up a parking lot.” Perhaps it’s time we revisited this?
During these challenging times, as custodians of the built environment, we must consider all options and solutions to help get the economy moving again and bring energy back to our towns and cities. Car parks may hold the key; the UK has some 20,000 non-residential car parks, many of which are now grossly underutilised with huge potential to repurpose these spaces on both a short and long term basis.
It is not a new concept. In 2015, Peckham Levels in south London was converted from an empty car park into a vibrant seven-storey, part-indoor part-outdoor hub that includes community workspaces, creative studios and a raft of food and beverage outlets.
Meanwhile, in the past few months, we have seen pubs, cafes and restaurants transform parking spaces into outside areas and pick up spots that facilitate social distancing, as well as an increase in pop-up markets and events which allow these spaces to be monetised. Our U.S counterparts have also seen swathes of retail parking utilised for outdoor fitness classes, testing centres and homeless shelters, as well as the rise of the ‘drive-in’ economy.
Beyond short-term solutions, there is a significant opportunity to redevelop these spaces into mixed-use hubs that blend housing with retail and cultural spaces, with greatly reduced parking provision. This aligns with the wider sustainability drive to reduce car usage and also dovetails with the 15-minute city concept, where people can work, shop and relax within a 15-minute walking or cycling distance of home.
I firmly believe this is where the future of development and cities is heading, with car parks playing their own unique part.