Playford Council earns $1884 from $8.5 million carpark in two years

What costs $8.5 million and yet generates a mere $1884 in revenue over two years? Just ask Playford Council.

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An $8.5 million council-owned carpark has only attracted 120 paying customers in the two years since it was built, giving ratepayers a return of less than $1900.

Playford Council is examining various options to improve the financial viability of the six-level Windsor carpark, built to service three projects in the Elizabeth CBD which have not come to fruition.

Instead, a proposed ice arena, medical centre and government office building have been shelved or stalled indefinitely.

The three projects were part of an ambitious program led by the council’s former chief executive, Mal Hemmerling, and Mayor Glenn Docherty to revitalise the northern suburbs with major capital works.

The Windsor Carpark has earnt less than $1900 since it opened two years ago. Picture: Colin James

The carpark also was meant to provide parking for guests at a much-vaunted luxury hotel on a site, which previously housed the community-built Grenville Centre for retirees.

The site has remained vacant since the centre was demolished and its activities were temporarily relocated to Playford Civic Centre.

Former Playford Council chief executive Mal Hemmerling and Mayor Glenn Docherty in the new Windsor Carpark. Picture: Morgan Sette/AAP

Residents attending the activities have received free parking in the carpark 3928 times, with a staff report showing it has cost the council $23,162 in lost revenue.

Of another 6359 vehicles which have used the carpark since it opened in January, 2018, 6253 parked for free during a three-hour period while the remaining 116 vehicles paid a total of $364.50.

Only two permanent parkers have used the carpark, paying $1520 – taking its total earnings to $1884.50.

The staff report said the carpark was meant to be built when the other buildings were completed but council had voted instead to build it first.

“To date CBD investment has not achieved the phase which envisages the full potential of the multi-deck carpark,” it said.

Playford Council’s original concept plan for its multi-deck carpark at Elizabeth. Picture: Supplied

The report – to be presented to a committee on Tuesday night – has recommended introducing new $5 early bird rates to attract nearby workers and park ‘n’ ride commuters, reducing the three hour free parking limit to two hours and new permanent parking offers.

Other possible income sources which had been examined by an internal working group including using the carpark for markets, car boot sales, an open air gymnasium, storage units, youth concerts and emergency shelter for the homeless.

However, all these options had been ruled out because they would require toilets to be installed and a flat, level surface – which was only the top deck.

Plans to install a giant digital advertising screen on the carpark also had been deferred because of its cost, with the council instead applying for grant funding.

Ratepayers repeatedly have raised concerns about the carpark and why it has remained largely empty since it was built.

Originally published as Playford Council earns $1884 from $8.5 million carpark in two years