The multi-storey car park of Norwich's Anglia Square shopping precinct has been closed down - but there is still no movement on the site's long-awaited �100m redevelopment.
It seems old age has finally caught up with the early-1970s building, but there are no plans for it to be demolished soon.
Signs have been put up at the entrance to the seven-storey car park, in Edward Street, saying the site is 'closed with immediate effect'.
The shutters have been pulled down on the entrance and exit to the multi-storey levels, although there is still access to the car parks of Hollywood Cinema and offices above Anglia Square.
Stuart Porter, centre manager at Anglia Square, confirmed why the car park had closed, saying: 'It's very straight forward. I've been here for the last four or five years and in all that time only one floor has been open in that car park and the usage has been down to 60 or 70 cars.
'And that amount can now be accommodated on the ground floor. So it's been closed for no other reason than that.'
The car parks surrounding the multi-storey, which are managed by RCP Parking, are also owned by Anglia Square and have been expanding and improving in recent years.
Mr Porter said there are no plans to demolish the car park, but it will now stand empty while long-held hopes to develop the site are still worked on.
Developer Centenary Ashcroft secured permission for a multi-million pound regeneration of the 1960s complex in 2008 - but the country's economic struggles have meant the plans have still not come to fruition.
The most recent version of the plans included 178 new homes, a public square, new shops, restaurants, cafes and a healthcare centre. while Gildengate House, the office block over one of the entrances to the car park, will be updated to provide modern offices.
Mr Porter added: 'The building is going to be part of the redevelopment, which we're really excited about. But it has reached the end of its shelf life and it's becoming derelict.
'There are lifts and lights and things like that which need repairing so it's just not viable any longer.'
- Have you got a story for the Evening News? Call David Freezer on 01603 772418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here