A LONG-AWAITED refurbishment of the South Street car park in Farnham is set to start on-site at the end of June – while Crest Nicholson’s Brightwells scheme is still on track to open in 2021, says Waverley Borough Council.

The car park work, which will provide essential structural repairs, resurfacing, redecorating and lighting improvements, are scheduled for completion by the end of October to miss the busy Christmas trading period.

The 210-space multi-level car park, which primarily serves Sainsbury’s South Street supermarket, will also serve the new M&S Simply Food store.

And this, the council announced this week, is “due to open in Waverley Borough Council’s flagship town centre regeneration scheme Brightwells Yard, in 2021”.

Prior to the Covid-imposed suspension of work on the site, the majority of the scheme’s retail and leisure elements had been due to be completed by early 2021, followed by the residential aspects of the scheme in May 2021.

Waverley’s development partner, Crest Nicholson, is yet to publish a revised timeline – but Waverley’s announcement hints that any delay is likely to be measured in weeks or months, rather than years.

The developer is, however, yet to announce a raft of new shops and restaurants as was promised at the turn of the year, amid calls for a rethink of the scheme’s retail element.

Crest Nicholson is also carrying out work on the Sainsbury’s car park, undertaking improvements to the stairs, lifts and Brightwell Road as well as completing adjacent commercial and residential properties that face the car park.

A separate project by Southern Gas Networks to upgrade the gas mains in South Street and nearby roads will also be taking place during this time.

Nick Palmer, Waverley’s portfolio holder for operational and enforcement services, and Labour councillor for Godalming Binscombe, said: “Improvements to the South Street car park are much needed and, once complete, will provide a much better environment for people to park in.

“Investing in the work means not only will the life of the building be extended, but it will also create a brighter, safer space for shoppers.

“The work has been scheduled between July and the end of October to avoid the busy Christmas trading period and, although it may cause some disruption, the end result will mean vastly-improved parking for visitors to Sainsbury’s and also the new M&S opening next year.”

While the work takes place, people are encouraged to park at the nearby Central and Riverside car parks. Limited parking will be available at South Street car park for those with mobility needs.