The city has issued a call for developers interested in transforming a surface parking lot in downtown London into a multi-level, state of the art public parking garage.

The lot, at 185 Queens Avenue, currently has 74 parking spots but the city wants to create many more with an above-ground facility as part of a mixed use development.

The city would retain ownership of the parking garage, which would include electrical vehicle charging and secure bicycle parking.

"We're hoping to partner with a developer in order to make a higher and better use of the site consistent with the London Plan vision of bringing intensification to the core and … growing inward and upward, and making better use of these surface parking lots," said Michelle Knieriem, a planner with the City who is overseeing the project.

The development – which is expected to address an anticipated shortage of downtown parking – will need to be compatible with the Downtown Heritage Conservation District.

"It's making it fit with the neighbourhood, and also recognizing various heritage elements that are cultural resources … and that they all sort of flow cohesively as a district," said Knieriem.

The call for developers is a two stage process. The first phase is a "request for qualifications" process. Interested applicants can submit their response by February 24.

After the city develops a list of qualified developers, it will ask for detailed proposals for the space.

They hope to have the design process finalized by the end of the year.