Health Bosses Respond To Nelson Centre Parking Fears

Parking Management Strategy will be reviewed

Health bosses have responded to worries that the new Nelson Health Centre in Merton Park will cause parking problems in the area.

At the opening of the Centre in Kingston Road on April 1, local Councillor John Sargeant said there were concerns that the parking would be "inadequate".

But a spokesman for Head Tenant, Community Health Partnerships, said a Parking Management Strategy and Travel Plan had been developed and approved by Merton Council's Public Protection and Development Division.

The spokesman said it is proposed that the Parking Management Strategy is reviewed after the on-site baseline travel surveys have taken place and then after one year of operation, when information on usage patterns has been established, and then subsequently every two years.

Key elements of the strategy and plan included:

  • A total of 68 parking spaces are available at the Centre.
  • 41 of the total spaces are allocated for Essential User/staff parking, leaving 27 spaces available for visitors/patients (available on a first come, first served basis).  NB: Entry to the car park for visitors/patients is by a ticket and a pay on exit system.
  • Five spaces, adjacent to the entrance are allocated to disabled parking.  If these bays are in use, then full Blue Badge holders may be entitled to park free in other parking bays (either staff or patient).
  • Dedicated cycle parking for 44 cycles is also provided.
  • A parking space/layby has also been provided at the entrance to the site from Kingston Road for ambulance service vehicles.

The statement added:

"The location of the Centre is in close proximity to a number of regular public transport links including:

Trains: Wimbledon Chase station is a five minute walk away and Wimbledon underground station is 15 minutes away.

Tram: The Merton Park Tramlink stop is 10 minutes' walk from the NHC and the Wimbledon Tramlink stop is 15 minutes away.

Buses: The 163, 164, 152 and 655 services all stop outside/within close proximity."

April 8, 2015