THE market multi storey car park will close in July - months before market traders expected.
The car park is being demolished to make way for the next phase of the £130m Glass Works development.
Traders thought the 500-space car park would close as they started to move into the development, but the July date was revealed at the National Market Traders’ Federation Barnsley Group’s monthly meeting with council officials.
Keiron Knight, the vice-chairman of the NMTF Barnsley Group, said: “People couldn’t believe it. Most thought it would stay open until at least the new Glass Works was open and as a good will gesture thought perhaps they would keep it open until January to let new businesses have the Christmas trade.
“It’s going to stop people coming into the town centre.”
Additional free weekend parking will be made available at 11 sites including the car parks at Eastgate College and on-street parking at Burleigh Street, Thomas Street, Pitt Street West, York Street, Westgate, Churchfield, St Mary's Gate, Eastgate, Falcon Street and Sackville Street.
Coun Roy Miller said: “Throughout the redevelopment of the town centre our priority is to make sure that people can still easily access it, whether that is to shop, work, or run their businesses.
“We have a plan in place that will ensure shoppers, workers and market traders can park where and when they need to.
“As with all areas of the development we continue to work closely and openly with our traders as we move forward to the exciting new offer. We will make sure that people are fully aware and well informed about the closure and demolition of the multi-storey car park and alternative car parking available through a range of communications and new signage.”
