WORK is well underway to repair a leaking Poole town centre multi-storey car park roof, which sits over the Dolphin Shopping Centre.

The £1.4million major improvement programme at the Shoppers 1 roof top car park got underway in June and the contractor is now moving on to the next phase of work.

All main deck areas have been waterproofed and the two main movement joints have been replaced. Work is continuing to re-surface the car park together with the installation of a new LED lighting system which will reduce energy consumption and provide more even light across the car park.

Repair and refurbishment of stairwells and parapets will complete the improvement works.

"We are just over half-way through this four month project and the works are on time and to budget," said John Rice, engineering manger, Borough of Poole.

"We have completed the main waterproofing works, which will reduce the risk of leaks into the shopping centre below and we are now concentrating on improving the environment for all car park users. We are aiming to re-open the car park in time for the busy shopping period leading up to Christmas.”

While the improvements are carried out, the car park will remain closed to all users. Shoppers 2 car park, which was repaired last year, remains open.

The work is being carried out by Raymond Brown Construction Ltd and it is anticipated they will finish by early October.

John Grinnell, Dolphin Shopping Centre manager said: "We are pleased that works are commencing on time and to schedule, with intention to re-open the car park ahead of a busy Christmas period.”

Ben Alford, senior project manager for Raymond Brown Construction said: "We are well underway with the surfacing, having already completed approximately 25 per cent, we are also currently cladding the perimeter walls and installing new wiring for the lighting columns."

He added: "We would like to thank the children from Oakdale Junior School who have also been busy working with us to design posters, highlighting the importance of keeping safe near building sites. A selection of these fantastic posters are now displayed on our site establishment set up under the Towngate flyover.”