Work is set to get underway to demolish Halesowen's multi-storey car park as part of the town's £30m regeneration.

The Cornbow Centre's multi-storey car park on Queensway shut on Sunday May 20 and will be demolished by the end of June.

Shoppers and workers will have to use parking in Andrew Road and Birmingham Street, Maybrook House and Pool Road multi-storey.

A new car park increasing the number of spaces by 25 per cent to 600 and providing brighter lighting and improved security, will open by Christmas 2008.

Eve O'Connor, manager of the Cornbow, called on people to be patient during the town's transition.

She said: "In our town centre consultation car parking was highlighted as one of the five key areas for improvement. We are confident the new provision will exceed their expectations. A much bigger and improved car park with an enhanced feeling of safety will encourage people - both locals and those from farther a field - to shop in Halesowen, rather than elsewhere."

John Woodall, assistant director for regeneration at Dudley Council, said: "These are very exciting times for Halesowen as we create a state-of-the-art shopping environment for all residents in the borough to visit. This new car parking facility is one part of our overall vision for the regeneration of the town centre. Alternative car parking will be available at one of our many other car parks in the town while the new facility is being built. "

Pete Aston, crime prevention officer at Halesowen Police Station said the new car park was being built to qualify for the Park Mark safer parking scheme - an initiative of the Association of Chief Police Officers - which aims to reduce crime and fear of crime in parking areas.