Free car parking plan to boost town centre
SO IT IS EASIER TO VISIT STOCKPORT
STOCKPORT town centre is set for a timely boost with a scheme to provide free parking for shoppers.
As part of the Stockport Business District (BID) programme, 75 spaces will be allocated on a first-comefirst-served basis for three months.
They will be on the sixth floor of Heaton Lane car park and will allow for a maximum four hour stay under a scheme called Totally Free Parking.
To qualify, drivers must apply for a pass - to be displayed in their vehicle during stays - and if successful they will be given a designated space.
Access to convenient, cheap parking has long been a thorny issue in Stockport centre, which itself has suffered some high profile losses of stores in the last 12 months.
Paul Taylor, Stockport BID manager, said: “Part of our remit is to address issues that have been raised that may be impacting on the numbers of people coming in to enjoy the amenities within the town centre.
“We are working on ways to attract more shoppers and visitors more regularly which is why we are introducing Totally Free Parking, making it easier for people to park. No more worries about finding the right change or rushing back after two hours in case your ticket has expired.
“We would like as many people as possible to benefit.”
It is hoped the scheme, which runs from June 1 to Aught 31, could be extended further if successful.
The free spaces are available between 6am and 6pm and applications for a pass can be made online.
Traders in the town centre have called for more cheap or free parking for some time, although their longstanding wish for pay on exit facilities came to pass in 2014.
New Look, Marks and Spencer and Toys ‘R’ Us are among retailers to close premises in Stockport town centre this year, or announce an intention to do so.
But this has been balanced by stores such as DCM Menswear opening an outlet and the promise of council investment in the Merseyway area over the next 18 months.
Potential plans include a ‘grab and go’ food court, and placing retail pods down the centre of Merseyway for smaller and semi-permanent businesses.
To apply for a free parking pass visit www.totallyfreeparking.co.uk.