Plans go in for new 158-space car park on Canal Quarter site in Lancaster

Plans have been submitted for a temporary car park within the site earmarked for the long-awaited Canal Quarter development.

The 158-space car park, on land east and west of Brewery Lane, would operate for two years, if permission is granted.

Developers want to demolish several buildings on the site to clear the way for a £100m 'mixed-use' regeneration scheme in the area.

They said the car park will ensure "the site remains productive whilst the comprehensive masterplan is being prepared".

One of the premises earmarked for demolition is the Kanteena music venue. The car park would be built close to, but not on, the Kanteena site, said the developers.

"We've been listening to local businesses 
and residents about their concerns regarding parking availability in the city centre," said Russ Worthington of developers Axis-RE.

"This temporary car park represents our commitment to supporting the Lancaster community during a challenging transition period.

"We're keen to maintain beneficial use of the development sites during planning phases."

The company said their eventual redevelopment plans will "deliver a mixed-use development including housing, healthcare facilities, hospitality and permanent parking solutions".

They also said the "application has received support from local cultural institutions".

"Lancaster BID, representing the wider business community, have also been consulted," they said. 

Lanmara Developments Ltd owns the three-acre Brewery Lane site, developing on behalf of Marco Living and Axis-RE.

There have been hundreds of objections lodged with Lancaster City Council to the demolition of Kanteena.

This latest planning application for a temporary car park, by Lanmara Developments, follows two other applications for permission to demolish premises on the land.

The developers said this is "to address urgent health and safety concerns associated with a number of dangerous structures on the site, as well as to create the potential for meanwhile uses in the interim".

Below, a site plan of the proposed car park (in red).

A report submitted with the car park application says: "After decades of abandonment, the current buildings on the site have fallen into a severely dilapidated condition.

"Their structural integrity has been significantly compromised, with a number of dangerous defects identified.

"The vacant nature of the site has also led to ongoing security concerns, including frequent unauthorised access and break-ins, which have contributed to incidents of anti-social behaviour impacting the surrounding community.

"These issues further underline the need for prompt demolition to remove the danger to the public and prevent further deterioration and prompted the initial demolition applications.

"Following the demolition works, this full planning application seeks permission for the temporary change of use of the (then) cleared sites to create a surface car park for a two year period.

"This interim use will ensure the land remains safe, secure, and active while Lanmara develops and consults on its comprehensive masterplan proposals.

"Lanmara intends to progress its comprehensive masterplan proposals in parallel with these initial works and looks forward to consulting on these with the council and the public at the appropriate time.

"The car park will accommodate 158 spaces.

"A new access will be constructed from Edward Street to standardised dimensions with a dropped kerb crossing point and tactile paving. This car park will also benefit from an additional entrance/exit from Moor Lane.

"Segregated pedestrian access routes will be formed within the parking area with dropped kerb access points.

"The existing access from St Leonard’s Gate will be reconstructed to standardised dimensions with a dropped kerb crossing point and tactile paving, positioned to maximise visibility.

"Across the site frontage, a 2m-wide footway will be formed. In addition to the above, timber knee-high fencing will be installed around the car park boundary, with breaks incorporated to provide additional pedestrian access points where required.

"The proposed temporary car park represents a critical second step in delivering the long-term regeneration objectives for the Canal Quarter.

"Located within the designated regeneration area, the principle of introducing a temporary use has already been positively established through engagement with the council, ensuring that the site remains productive whilst the comprehensive masterplan is being prepared.

"The proposed development will deliver clear and immediate benefits: • Prevent harmful vacancy by ensuring the land does not remain derelict following demolition; • Address legitimate community concerns by reducing the risks of unlawful access and anti-social behaviour; and • Provide a managed, interim use that increases city centre parking capacity, directly supporting local businesses, residents and visitors."

The report quotes the recent Lancaster City Council car parking strategy, which "recognises that the release of surface car parks for housing, particularly within the Canal Quarter, is a long-term city priority".

The council plans to build new homes on the Nelson Street and St Leonardgate car parks in future. 

"This wider context underlines the value of the proposed temporary car park," says the report.

Another planning application has gone in to the City Council, from the site owners, for "relevant demolition of existing buildings and associated vegetation clearance" on land to the east of Brewery Lane - including the Kanteena venue (below), which will close at the end of 2025.

As well as Kanteena, the application asks for permission to demolish an old depot building formerly used by the former Mitchell's Brewery.

A further planning application went in to the council last month, to demolish buildings to the west of Brewery Lane.

Lancaster City Council, as local planning authority, has responsibility for deciding if demolition should go ahead.

The council will make a decision on whether to grant permission, in due course.

There have been more than 800 public objections to plans to knock down Kanteena.

Many supporters, including Lancaster MP Cat Smith, have rallied against the potential loss of a key music venue in the city.

But a post on the Kanteena social media pages earlier this month said: "To underline what we said during our statement (on) 14th July 2025, we have had a very good relationship with our landlords.

"It was their idea for a ‘cultural’ organisation to utilise this site whilst a longer term plan was put together and they have been open and honest about their plans leading to a clear and open relationship.

"Currently we are exploring all options regarding our future both with the landlords and other locations with the hope that Kanteena will continue in Lancaster.

"We are grateful to each and everyone who has supported us from the beginning and hope to be able to rely on this same support going forward whichever direction we decide to move into."

A joint statement issued by Kanteena, and Marco Living and Axis-RE, on September 9, said:

"To clarify speculation, Kanteena is not part of the forthcoming temporary car parking application. The venue has always operated as a temporary use prior to wider regeneration plans for this important city centre site.

"Since acquiring Lanmara Developments Limited in May 2025, Marco Living and Axis-RE have continued to work closely with Kanteena, extending their lease through to the end of 2025 to provide financial security and allow the venue to continue operating in its current site.

"The development team is currently working toward a mixed-use scheme that will benefit Lancaster. We cannot disclose specific details at this time as plans are still evolving in consultation with key stakeholders in the area. We hope to share our plans before the end of the year.

"The development partnership, operating as Lanmara Developments Limited, continues to listen to feedback and will ensure that any future development delivers genuine benefit for Lancaster while creating opportunities for local businesses, employment and cultural activities."

Read more: 

Kanteena team "exploring all options" as they hope to continue in Lancaster - Beyond Radio

Venue boss 'humbled' by level of support as developers and MP have say on demolition plans - Beyond Radio

Music fans rally against plans to demolish popular Lancaster venue - Beyond Radio

'Final Chapter' for groundbreaking Lancaster music venue - Beyond Radio

Demolition work announced for £100m brewery site revamp in Lancaster - Beyond Radio

Developers plan £100m revamp of old brewery site in Lancaster - Beyond Radio

Lancaster Canal Quarter revamp is officially backed by council - Beyond Radio