A brand new decked car park could be built at St Mary’s Hospital in the future to provide additional car parking spaces for both visitors and staff. The Isle of Wight NHS Trust is looking to appoint a new security and car park operator in the coming months, which poses an opportunity for some changes to parking arrangements at St Mary’s with a number of options currently being explored. The seemingly preferred option is to increase the number of visitor spaces in the main car park – opposite the hospital entrance – from 123 to 173, as well as adding a decked level above to provide 170 new staff parking spaces – much like Sainsbury’s supermarket in Newport. According to figures produced by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, the new car park operator could generate revenue in excess of £4.2million over the 8-year contract period – but they would be responsible for funding the design and build of the new multi-storey car park. Other options being considered include simply replacing existing pay machines (Option A), or creating 50 additional car parking spaces next to the main visitor car park (Option B) – but these would be over a shorter 5-year contract period, with the possibility of extending by a maximum of 3 years. The new contractor is required to provide 2 security/car park attendants to be on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, as well as a contract manager. It’s anticipated that the new contract will come into force on 1st April 2024 and, if all goes to plan and Option C is selected, the new decked parking could be ready to use by April 2026. 
The Isle of Wight Council is said to be aware of the plans and, in principle, supports the idea. Formal pre-planning advice is to be sought by the Isle of Wight NHS Trust ahead of the submission of a planning application. Joe Smyth, Chief Officer at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, has said:
“We are committed to improving the current car parking provision for both staff and visitors at St Mary’s Hospital and we are in the process of exploring potential solutions and developing high-level plans to increase car parking capacity. “There are still a number of discussions with our staff and stakeholders, including patients, which need to take place before any plans are finalised. “We hope to be able to communicate what improvements will be made and when early in 2024.”
An element of disruption is to be expected should Option C be chosen, with only 30% of parking spaces to be retained during the construction phase. Trees around the existing car park would need to be removed.
