Dudley hospital parking: Tycoon plans new low-cost car park to help 'penalised' Russells Hall patients
A multi-millionaire developer who founded Merry Hill shopping centre wants to build a low-cost public car park opposite Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital.
Property tycoon Roy Richardson has revealed he is considering building a car park on land he owns off the A4101 High Street – opposite the hospital.
The wealthy businessman, whose family is reported to be worth £450 million, said the site would either be free or have low charges in comparison with the hospital.
The proposals could cause friction with hospital bosses, given the fact the car park would come into direct competition with Russells Hall.
Patients and visitors would likely queue up to save money on cheaper parking just across the road from the hospital. The land next to Servosteel is disused.
Mr Richardson, who along with twin brother Don led the development of Merry Hill in the 1980s and is among the richest people in the Midlands, made no secret of his belief that people were being charged too much to park at hospitals.
The 86-year-old told the Express & Star: "Developments we have done have always had free parking.
"Quite frankly, once people have paid tax on their car they don't want to be penalised by car parking penalties, particularly at hospitals.
"We would look to make it free for a start but I'm not sure we would be able to continue to do that.
"But it would certainly be an acceptable cost for people using the car park for the hospital or any other reason.
"My sympathy is with people who use the hospital. Some people go every day and it costs them a lot of money
"Once people realise what we want to do I think they will be on side."
The Richardsons were ranked 243rd on the 2016 Sunday Times Rich List and the portfolio extends across Europe and North America.
No firm plans have been submitted but Mr Richardson said he is serious about the development and proposals would likely gather speed over the next 12 months.
The respected developer would require planning permission before he could go ahead with the car park.
It is unclear whether the hospital would try to block the proposals.
It costs £1.50 to park for 30 minutes at Russells Hall, £2.60 for an hour, £3.60 for an hour and a half and £4.60 for three hours.
A 24-hour pass costs £5.60.
Hospital bosses did not want to comment at this stage.
