Ncp Multi Storey Car Park

This is a multi-storey car park constructed in 1929, designed by Robert Sharp with J.J. Joass. Initially known as the 'Lex Garage', it is among the earliest surviving ramped car parks in the country and was intended to serve the West End of the city. The structure combines a steel and concrete frame with glazed ceramic on its front elevation, a copper-clad dome, brick-clad side and rear elevations, and steel Crittall windows. The plan is based on a long rectangular site with a forecourt to the front, and a projecting tower at the south-west corner. It includes a basement and four upper floors, accessed via ramps along the west side. Lifts and stairs are located behind the tower, and further stairs are positioned on the east side, near the Ingestre Place entrance.

The front elevation is in a Classical-Moderne style, with a ground floor that was originally partially glazed and is now open. Above, the facade is articulated with pilasters, featuring alternating strips of terracotta and windows, with plain square panels below each opening, and topped by a parapet. A recessed bay on the eastern side features narrow windows on each floor. The tower has four floors, with plain, rectangular openings on each side. A dome sits above the roof cornice. The southern return elevation features pilasters, while the eastern flank is of unadorned concrete frame with brick infill and similar windows containing a secondary entrance. A faded painted sign reading 'GARAGE' is visible on the north return.

Originally, the car park could accommodate 1,000 cars across approximately 121,000 square feet of floor space over five floors. Interior spaces consist of largely unencumbered floor plates with ramped access on the west side, supported by heavy concrete beams. Central turntables on each floor have been removed. Previously, the first floor included a chauffeurs' canteen, cafe, and kitchen at the front, with a bathroom within the tower on each floor; the ground floor contained a garage and store, and petrol pumps were located in the forecourt. All of these original features have since been removed. The considerable presence of the building adds to its overall architectural power.