A CAR park next to a derelict multi-storey in Southend is set to close temporarily, motorists have been warned.

The Elmer Approach car park, next to Farringdon multi-storey, is due to shut tomorrow. However, it is expected to reopen when the demolition of the old multi-storey is complete in May.

The closure of both car parks will allow preparation work to take place for the multi-million pound Elmer Square development, which will include a library and extra facilities for South Essex College and the University of Essex.

Spaces in the multi-storey, which closed in November, have been replaced by the new car park, under the university accommodation building, opposite Sainsbury’s in London Road, which has 307 spaces.

Mark Murphy, strategic projects manager at Southend Council, said: “The demolition of Farringdon car park will take place between February 3 and May 9.

“The contractor will be mobilising on the site from January 17 and from that date will start stripping out the inside of the car park.

“The surface car parks will be closed during the demolition period for health and safety reasons, but will reopen to the public when the works are completed.”

Motorist Joanna Barrington, 28, from Southend, said: “It’s a shame the car park is going, it’s really convenient. But there is parking under the college nearby and opposite Sainsbury’s, so it’s not too far to walk.

“Also, with the new library planned at Elmer Approach, I suppose even when the car park at Farringdon reopens after the work, it will be shortlived because this land will be built on for the new development.”