QUESTIONS are still being asked about the future of one of Cornwall’s busiest car parks 18 months after its upper storeys closed.

At a Cornwall Council meeting on Tuesday (November 25), Reform UK councillor Susanne Desmonde suggested Moorfield multi-storey car park in Truro could reopen safely following remedial work, although the council’s cabinet member for transport reiterated that the structure has come to the end of its natural life.

The upper sections were closed following an engineering inspection in May 2024, with only the ground floor and outside area remaining open. The loss of over 400 spaces in the 680-space facility off Calenick Street has exacerbated parking problems in the city following the closure of other car parks to make way for the stalled Pydar development.

Cllr Desmonde told Cllr Dan Rogerson (Lib Dem), cabinet member for transport: “Several prominent independent businesses have approached me regarding the lack of parking in Truro and the significant impact it is having on their businesses. They, like many, are questioning why Moorfield has been deemed unsafe after over 50 years of safe use.

“Officers claim the building is structurally unsafe, but an independent assessment carried out by expert structural engineers rejects the officers’ claims, saying it could be reopened safely if remedial works were carried out.”

Cllr Desmonde, who represents Pool and Tehidy, added: “The council has lost significant revenue from the closure and paid substantial amounts for out-of-county advice. These funds could have paid for the maintenance of the car park.

“The building we are in now, Cornwall Council, is constructed in the same materials and has the lifespan as Moorfield. Should it close also?”

Cllr Rogerson replied: “The assessment’s been carried out. Moorfield car park has lived beyond the life it was built for. Obviously, loads you see there would be different to a building like this. We have to take the advice of structural engineers and we will act on that.

“We are putting together proposals towards the capital programme for what we would do to create the maximum car parking we can in an affordable way on that site.”

He continued: “Truro members have met with me, the city council and Truro BID to discuss this, so we are looking at all these issues around parking. We want people to use the excellent park and ride services we have in Truro to make sure they access the centre and support those local businesses.”

Cllr Desmonde responded: “I’ve been advised by Cormac that it would only take £50,000 to £100,000 for the maintenance to put Moorfield back in operation again, so you’re going to dismiss this?” She asked if there should be a third appraisal if an independent assessment deemed Moorfield could be reopened. Cllr Rogerson asked to see the further information she had received.

Cllr Desmonde’s proposals contrasted with those of former Truro mayor Cllr Bert Biscoe, who urged Cornwall Council in September to demolish the car park, claiming: “The longer it’s left, the more stress is going to be suffered by quite key businesses to the detriment of the confidence and sustainability of this town.”