DEMOLITION work at the existing multi-storey car park in the town centre will commence on Wednesday as part of the council's £107 million regeneration project.

The site, on Academy Way, will close on the same day to make way for the construction of the new car park, which after completion next October will offer around 1,150 spaces on eight levels.

Once the demolition is finished construction work will begin on the site this autumn.

David Boyer, assistant director for transport and environment for the council, said: "While construction of the new multi-storey car park is taking shape it is our aim to keep any disruption to a minimum and ensure that there is adequate provision of parking facilities within the town centre.

"Warrington town centre has a current availability of approximately 3,694 car parking spaces, easily accessible across 17 sites and all within easy reach of the immediate town centre and shopping areas."

Planning approval was granted for the Time Square car park earlier this year and last month Warrington-based construction specialist I & H Brown was awarded the £18.5 million construction contract by the authority.

Council leader Terry O'Neill said: "The construction and delivery of secure and convenient parking facilities is a vital part of the Time Square regeneration project as it will provide a new and attractive asset that will underpin and support the whole scheme.

"The construction of the new car park is another positive step towards the realisation of this ambitious development and wider benefits for the rest of the town centre."

The scheme – which will be delivered by Warrington & Co on behalf of the council with development manager Muse Developments – will create up to 400 construction jobs and 400 new permanent jobs in the leisure, retail and restaurant sectors when the project is fully completed in 2019.