Multi-Storey Car Park Costs & Construction

The ubiquitous multi-storey car park has become an integral part of urban landscapes across Great Britain. As car ownership has surged, so too has the demand for efficient parking solutions. In 2012, estimates suggested between 17,000 and 20,000 non-residential car parks were in existence, offering a staggering 3 to 4 million parking spaces. With over 31.9 million private cars registered in the UK by September 2020, and each journey typically starting and ending at a parking spot, the need for well-designed and constructed car parks is greater than ever. Multi-storey car parks, occupying the same footprint as surface car parks but offering significantly more capacity, are now a common sight, with around 6,000 estimated to be in operation today.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Evolution of Car Parking Structures

The concept of multi-level parking is not a new one. The very first known multi-storey car park in the UK, and possibly the world, was established in May 1901 by The City & Suburban Electric Carriage Company at 6 Denman Street in Central London. This pioneering facility spanned 19,000 sq ft, accommodated 100 vehicles, and boasted seven storeys served by an electric lift. Interestingly, this early venture focused on electric vehicles, a nod to the resurgence of EV technology in modern car parks.

In the decades following, particularly between the World Wars, multi-storey car park construction was largely concentrated in London and popular seaside towns like Blackpool. These early structures were often enclosed, brick-built buildings, sometimes featuring amenities like lounges and cafes for chauffeurs and owners. They incorporated ramps, either straight or curved, and their design often reflected the era's architectural styles, with some, like the Daimler Garage in London, even achieving Grade II listed status.

The Shift to Modern Construction: Steel Frame and Composite Decking

The 1960s saw a significant shift in car park design, driven by the widespread adoption of car ownership. The American-style open-deck car park, constructed on-site with concrete, mushroom-shaped columns, and exposed roof-top parking, became prevalent. While functional, these monolithic structures often faced criticism for their aesthetics, prompting planning departments to introduce design standards.

The introduction of precast concrete offered a more efficient construction method, still in use today. However, the contemporary trend leans towards steel frame and composite steel decking. This evolution is driven by several key advantages:

Understanding Composite Steel Decking

Composite steel decking involves laying long sheets of profiled, galvanised steel onto steel beams. A concrete floor slab is then cast onto this steel deck. The steel deck, often referred to as 'composite car park deck', is reinforced with steel mesh or metal fibres. This reinforcement is crucial for controlling cracking, resisting shear forces, and providing tensile strength in the event of a fire. The indentations in the profiled metal deck, combined with shear studs on the supporting steel beams, create a strong composite action that enables the structure to effectively carry loads.

The Innovation of Engineered Ends

A significant advancement in steel decking is the development of 'Engineered Ends'. This manufacturing process involves folding and pressing the end of the metal deck profile to create a slope. This eliminates the need for traditional shot-fired fixings and galvanised end caps, leading to substantial time and cost efficiencies during construction. Furthermore, Engineered Ends improve the composite action by allowing more concrete to bond with the steel beams around the shear studs, enhancing the overall performance of the floor slab.

Steel Deck Profiles and Long Span Capabilities

The choice of steel decking profiles and span widths is dictated by the project's specific load-bearing and fire-rating requirements. The inherent strength of steel allows for long spans between beams, reducing the number of columns needed. This, in turn, increases the number of clear parking spaces, boosting revenue for commercial operators and lowering construction costs for businesses by maximising space efficiency.

A popular example is Kingspan Multideck MD80, capable of unpropped spans of up to 5.4 metres. For environments prone to corrosion, such as coastal areas, Kingspan MD80XP, manufactured with magnelis coated steel, offers extended lifespan and reduced maintenance needs.

Protecting the Structure: Waterproof Surfaces and Line Marking

Modern car park floors require robust waterproof toppings to shield the concrete from water ingress and the damaging effects of de-icing salts, fuels, oils, and battery acids. The top deck, in particular, must be protected, often with bitumen or a liquid-applied seamless coating. All parking levels should incorporate adequate falls and drainage to prevent liquid pooling.

Beyond waterproofing, line marking and coloured surface coatings play a crucial role in car park functionality and safety. These include:

• Indicating disabled and parent/child parking bays.
• Providing anti-skid surfacing on ramps and corners.
• Creating traction strips for pedestrian crossings and walkways.
• Designating no-parking zones with cross-hatching.
• Highlighting electric vehicle charging bays.
• Assisting with traffic calming and ANPR systems.

The Integration of Modern Technology

Technology has dramatically transformed the car park experience, moving away from traditional attendant-based systems. Key technological advancements include:

EV Charging Points

With the significant rise in electric vehicles, car park operators are increasingly installing EV charging stations. Many are also exploring renewable energy solutions, such as solar panels on the roof, to offset the operational costs of these charging points and other energy needs like LED lighting.

ANPR Technology

Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is now a standard feature. Cameras capture vehicle number plates upon entry and exit, enabling 24/7 monitoring, preventing misuse, and providing accurate records for payment and enforcement. Trusts like Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust have reported substantial revenue increases after implementing ANPR.

Touch-Free Ticketing and Pre-Booking

The demand for touch-free payment methods has grown, with 'pay by phone' services and apps becoming commonplace. ANPR technology further enhances convenience through services like Good2Go, which automatically deducts parking fees after initial registration. Many car parks also offer online pre-booking, guaranteeing a space and reducing driver stress.

CCTV

CCTV remains a vital security feature, providing surveillance and deterring crime. When designing CCTV systems, adherence to 'Secured by Design' principles and proper camera placement to avoid obstruction are essential. Compliance with the CCTV Code of Practice and data protection regulations is also paramount.

Cost-Effectiveness and Construction Timelines

Making car parks more cost-effective involves optimising lighting, using light-coloured finishes, and embracing renewable energy. Professional lighting design ensures adequate illumination while complying with relevant British Standards. Security features, such as anti-climb defences, are also critical, especially in high-risk locations.

The time taken to construct a multi-storey car park varies based on size and construction method. However, using a fast-track solution like steel frame and composite steel decking, a car park with 70-80 spaces can be completed in approximately 16 weeks.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Multi-Storey Car Park?

The question of cost is complex, with no single answer. Factors such as scale, location, foundation design, and the level of technology and finishes all influence the final price. However, as a general guideline, Metpark UK advises budgeting approximately £10,000 to £12,000 per parking space for an economically designed, efficient car park. This figure will increase with the incorporation of external cladding and advanced technologies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average cost per parking space for a multi-storey car park?

As a rule of thumb, expect to budget between £10,000 and £12,000 per space, though this can vary significantly based on project specifics.

What are the benefits of steel frame construction for car parks?

Steel offers strength, durability, speed of erection, design flexibility, and fire resistance, making it a cost-effective and versatile material.

How long does it take to build a multi-storey car park?

A fast-track construction using steel frame and composite decking can see a car park completed in as little as 16 weeks for a modest size.

What technologies are common in modern car parks?

Modern car parks integrate EV charging points, ANPR systems, touch-free payment options, and CCTV for enhanced functionality and security.

Why are waterproof surfaces important in car parks?

Waterproof surfaces protect the concrete structure from water ingress and chemical damage, extending the lifespan of the car park and ensuring user safety.

For detailed costings and bespoke multi-storey car park solutions, consulting with specialist car park design and build contractors is recommended.