The multi-story car-park is a recent (1970ish) addition to the town centre skyline. The Vale has decided to give it a £320,000 refurbishment and prolong its usefulness.

I expect level 8 will get a touch of paint.

Outside, the carpark is unlikely to change much. It will retain the same redbrick facade as the other Charter buildings – all built about the same time: library, Malthouse surgery, day-centre, and social services.

Currently the stairwells are rather grim and dark, open all hours and subject to vandalism. It is planned that new gates will be put up so that only the lower two levels are open for 24 hours, and the place lightened up, and car parking levels re-organised.

The top floor already gives a good view of the surroundings, and is the one part that is almost scenic. This too will be given a new protective surface. Even concrete and steel erodes if left to the elements.