COUNCIL bosses are looking into the possibility of building student flats and a multi-storey car park near Hereford bus station.

Herefordshire Council say they are conducting feasibility work to develop business cases for the potential projects.

The council identified the need for multi-storey car parks situated to the north and south of the city in their investment pitchbook published last year.

They want the new car parks to relieve the traffic before it reaches the city centre and complement an improved pedestrian friendly Hereford.

Richard Gabb, council housing and growth programme director, said: “Herefordshire Council has started a feasibility appraisal regarding the potential for multi-storey car parking within the county bus station and car park site, and feasibility work is progressing well regarding the development of student accommodation at Station Approach.

“The investigations will develop the outline business cases for the potential projects and show how they contribute to the council’s Economic Vision.”

The pitchbook says the wide tree line boulevard style along Newmarket Street will be continued along Blueschool Street and around to Commercial Road joining with the new city link road and transport hub at the railway station.

The council wants to invest around £25m on the project which is expected to run until 2025.

The pitchbook reads: “A number of sites on the principal commuter routes will be identified as new multi storey car park sites to intercept traffic before it reaches the city centre.

“Hereford has an appropriate number of car parking spaces but they are not in the right location and are spread over too many sites.

“This currently leads to an uncoordinated and non-strategic level of parking supply which is difficult to access and find for visitors.

“Edge of centre sites will then replace the current supply which will then be released for use in other regeneration projects.”

The council says multi-storey car parks will help manage visitor and commuter parking demand.