could soon have a three-storey car park with some 800 parking spaces to choose from.

The Corporation of Hamilton's plans for a multi-million dollar parking lot at Bull's Head were given in-principal approval yesterday following a March appeal to Environment Minister the Hon. Ann Cartwright DeCouto.

Mayor of Hamilton the Wor. Cecil Dismont was delighted the Corporation's bid to relieve the parking problem in Hamilton had finally been given the go-ahead.

The car park would solve a "critical need for more parking space in Hamilton'', he said.

Corporation secretary Mr. Roger Sherratt pointed out nearly all the spaces in the city's major car parks were now being used by "all-day parkers'', leaving few spaces for shoppers.

Even parking spaces with time limits were being taken up by workers, who simply "juggle their cars around on the hour'', he said.

Mr. Dismont assured that no time would be wasted in forging ahead with the final plans, to be drafted by Woodbourne Associates.

However, after they are drawn up, the Corporation's first step will be to find ways to fund the project, estimated to cost several million dollars. Mr.

Sherratt anticipated construction would begin on the car park as early as the start of 1994 -- if final approval is given.

Mrs. Cartwright DeCouto gave the project the green light on condition "certain concerns'' of the Architects Advisory Board and Development Applications Board -- which shot down the plan in January -- were addressed.

Among those concerns were the external appearance of the car park, the landscaping of the site and a proper traffic flow system which would not cause congestion in the area.

Mr. Sherratt said the Corporation shared many of the two boards' concerns and had an excellent horticulture department that would work at keeping the area attractive.

He said the Corporation may have to look at road widening schemes, but noted Bull's Head was served by three roads: Canal Road, Laffan Street and Serpentine Road.

He added Dundonald Street had recently undergone extensions with the multi-storey parking lot in mind.

Nevertheless, he said: "We'll have to look very carefully at traffic flow problems.'' Mr. Sherratt said the site was chosen because the Dick traffic report, commissioned by Government and the Corporation, found that the site was the most suitable for the purpose.

He said the Corporation would also look carefully at a reasonable fare structure for the lot.