AROUND three hundred additional car parking spaces could be made available for public evening and weekend use in Bournemouth town centre.

Bournemouth University has applied to change the usage terms on two sites they own. At present only BU permit holders can use the facilities in question.

If approved, spaces at Studland House car park, accessed from Cotlands Road, and the Bournemouth Gateway Building site in St Paul’s Lane, which is currently under construction, will be open for public use from 4pm to 7am weekdays and 24 hours on Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.

BU permit holders would still be able to use the sites at all times.

A statement submitted in support of the application to Bournemouth Borough Council says: "Pay-on-foot machines or a mobile payment facility will be installed on the sites to enable the public to pay for parking.

"ANPR cameras will also to be installed in the car parks as necessary for effective management."

It adds: "The dual-use of the car parks will not bring more traffic into the area but will provide alternative parking choices for people who are looking to park in the Lansdowne."

The charge schedule and specification for any parking machines has not yet been finalised.

The proposed change of use of the car parks is to be phased, with the dual use of Studland House car park operational from spring this year, while the other site would commence from summer 2020.