Work has just begun on the installation of a roller shutter door and gate to Stoddart car park entrances and exits, and a new pedestrian entrance way. When completed (expected to be the end of January), the vehicle doors and gates will be activated via Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR), and the pedestrian door will open with a SHU card.
The decision to improve the security of this car park has been taken on the advice of the police and local agencies in response to increasing incidences of its use for drug taking and overnight sleeping, and the very real, daily problems that this has been causing for users of the car park and our Estates and Facilities staff.
Homelessness and street sleeping is becoming more and more prevalent across the city, and we have been, and will continue, working with the council, Sheffield Business Improvement District and local charities to tackle the impact it is having on the city centre, and to develop longer term, sustainable interventions which support homeless people. Our priority in this instance, however, must be to ensure a safe environment for our staff, students and visitors who have been facing increasing risks.
There should be minimal disruption caused during this period. If you have any questions about the work, please contact Rebecca Johnson on ext. 5834.