Bless this car park as churches cash in

Homeowners have harnessed the income-generating power of their driveways by renting them as car parking spaces via apps and websites and now churches are following suit, according to YourParkingSpace.co.uk.

Churches in the UK are making more than £20,000 each month, an average of £200 each, by renting out their empty car park spaces to motorists.

The latest research by YourParkingSpace.co.uk found that more than 100 churches are listed on the portal’s pre-booking parking website, where motorists can find more flexible and alternative, options to on-street parking and traditional car parks.

However, as there are some 16,000 registered churches this represents only a fraction of the total number who could be making a tidy additional income given that YourParkingSpace. co.uk estimates that more than 85 per cent of churches have suitable parking spaces.

One such is St Wilfrid’s Church in Harrogate, which spotted an opportunity to offer affordable parking, while attracting people to look around the church.

An additional benefit is that the coming and going of motorists has helped deter anti-social behaviour in the car park

Rebecca Oliver, its facilities and commercial manager, said: “The parking income helps to support the running costs of the church, which as a Grade I listed building are significant. Using YourParkingSpace.co.uk is a straightforward and affordable way for a church to monetise its car park, without having to spend a lot of time managing it.”

Many churches listed with YourParkingSpace.co.uk are located near city and town centres, where demand for parking spaces is traditionally high. The website allows people to pre-book a spot on an hourly or daily basis.

For details visit www. yourparkingspace.co.uk.