Council in free parking move to drive up trade



The High Street Foundation welcomes the news of free parking across Rochdale Borough town centres


The council is set to introduce 3 hours free parking in all town centre car parks from April 2015 to help boost business.

The move will mean residents and visitors can enjoy free parking at any time for 3 hours when parking after 10am in town centre car parks.

The changes will come into force after 1 April 2015 and will affect Rochdale and Middleton, as Heywood town centre car parks are already free.

Retailers today welcomed the move. Phil Buckley, Manager of Denis Hope on Drake Street, said: “This is fantastic news for the borough and something retailers have been hoping would happen for a long time. It’s really inconvenient for people to make sure they have the right change when they’re popping into town for about 20 minutes. This is a real positive for the town and could attract new business and investment.”

Duncan Harrison, Assistant Manager of Beale’s Department Store, said: “Parking prices are an issue in all town centres and are one of the things that discourages people from shopping locally. This is a really positive move and will help bring more people into the town centre.”

The changes, which will apply in all town centre council car parks in the borough and include on street pay and display parking areas, will help give the High Street a much needed boost.

Council Leader Richard Farnell, said: “The high cost of parking is one of the things killing our local high streets. Our priority is to support and encourage businesses as much as we can and free parking is something we know will make a big difference. Successful businesses create thriving town centres and bring much needed jobs, and that’s we really need here in Rochdale.”

Rochdale MP, Simon Danczuk, said: "I've long recognised that car parking charges are a barrier stopping people coming in to our town centre and that's why I'm really pleased to see the council taking this course of action. Even though they're operating under very tight financial constraints, the council is doing all it can to support traders and help the town centre."

And visitors will have plenty of choice about where to park following the opening of the new 200 space car park on the former bus station site.

Resident Alexandra Cooper (21) from Rochdale said: “I usually only come in a couple of times a month for things like the bank but this would encourage me to come in more often. The current free after 3pm is too late to come in and go shopping.”

Elizabeth Baker, also from Rochdale, said: “I come in once or twice a week for a mooch around and think this is a good policy by the council. They should be encouraging people to come in to town.”