Council to demolish ageing Easton Street car park to unlock major regeneration opportunity
Buckinghamshire Council has approved the permanent closure and demolition of the Easton Street multistorey car park in High Wycombe — a decision that clears the way for significant regeneration opportunities.
The 1960s car park has deteriorated significantly and the upper floors have been closed due to structural concerns. With estimated £3 million in repair costs, ongoing financial losses and ample capacity at nearby car parks, demolition is the most responsible long‑term option. Removing the outdated structure will also free up a prime development site at the heart of High Wycombe.
Robert Carington, Cabinet Member for Resources, said: “Demolishing Easton Street car park is about much more than dealing with a deteriorating building — it’s about unlocking the potential of a central site that can significantly advance the future of High Wycombe. This location is integral to our regeneration ambitions, and its redevelopment can help create a more vibrant, better‑connected and modern town centre.”
The Easton Street site is identified as a key location within the Council’s High Wycombe Regeneration Strategy and is central to the Easton Quarter Vision. Clearing the site opens the door for a high‑quality, mixed‑use development that attracts new activity, increases footfall and boosts the local economy.
High Wycombe is already undergoing major Council‑led investment and renewal. The £3.1 million transformation of White Hart Street has created a greener, more welcoming and pedestrian‑friendly environment with new planting, paving and public seating. The former Tesco building on Denmark Street is being transformed, with the refurbished supermarket now open and work progressing on new council offices and the future home of the Buckinghamshire Archives.
Heritage‑led regeneration continues to strengthen the town’s character, with the restoration of the Brunel Engine Shed and work underway to reopen the former Liberal Club as the new home of the Wycombe Museum Chair Collection. The Guildhall has also been newly refurbished and will become the permanent location for all civic and ceremonial events in the future.
Robert added: “By clearing this outdated, underutilised structure, we can bring forward something far more valuable for High Wycombe’s future. This is a once‑in‑a‑generation opportunity to reshape the town centre in a way that complements the exciting projects already underway, while celebrating and enhancing our heritage.”