IN ANOTHER blow for Nelson Bay business owners, the Donald Street multi-storey car park will shut just days before Coles supermarket also closes its doors.
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The car park is used by workers, tourists and residents, providing 114 parking spaces which are in high demand during the busy summer months.
The safety of the car park, owned by Port Stephens Council, has been called into question with heavy modern cars causing damage to the structure of the building, which was constructed in 1991.
Levels one and two will be shut from November 5 with ground level and adjacent open spaces remaining open until further notice.
Port Stephens Council could not say how long the heavily trafficked car park would be closed for but did say it is entering into leaseholds on two separate parcels of land nearby for three to five years to provide alternative parking sites.
"Further investigation is required to determine the most appropriate actions required," a statement from the council's civil assets department read.
"Importantly, council has been quick to act with regard to securing alternative car parking.
"[The] council has done everything possible to ensure the safety of those using the car park, while also securing an alternative car parking option while a longer term solution is carefully considered."
The council could not release an estimated cost of redeveloping the site and is yet to identify where the alternative car parks will be located.
The announcement comes just one week after Coles Nelson Bay broadcast its closing date, November 9, leaving many small business owners worried about decreased spending in the CBD.
With the town's main supermarket and major car park all shutting within a one-week period, Nelson Bay will be looking for quick solutions before the summer tourism boom.
Port Stephens Council was set to meet with the Nelson Bay and District Business Association tomorrow to discuss the closure.