Additional £1.18M investment for parking improvements
As part of the council’s ongoing commitment to support a vibrant local economy, Cabinet agreed the investment, which will see improvements delivered at pace this year.
£305,000 will be spent to improve CCTV provision, tackle anti-social behaviour at the Park and Ride sites and upgrade payment machines. A further £40,000 will be invested to improve and upgrade the multi-storey phone signal.
As part of the improvements programme budget, further resurfacing works will take place at St Catherine’s Park and Ride facility, alongside improved signage, enhanced cycle storage and new digital signs, supporting the council’s commitment to become a carbon neutral district by 2030.
Cllr Kelsie Learney, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, said: “Tackling the climate emergency and improving air quality across the Winchester district, whilst ensuring our town centres thrive, underpins the significant investment we are making.
“Our ambitious programme of works over the coming year will improve the visitor experience by ensuring our Park & Ride, Park and Walk and cycle parking facilities are well maintained, safe and accessible, which supports the Winchester Movement Strategy.”
Winchester City Council’s Park and Ride and Park and Walk facilities have both seen an increase in user numbers over the last 12 months, which is supported by positive city centre footfall data which also shows an increase over the same time period.
Later this year, Middle Brook Street car park will be upgraded to become a Pay and Display facility. This enables the council to provide disabled parking spaces closer to the shops, make entry and exit easier, and improve traffic flow along Friarsgate. This will require some phased closure periods, but the council is committed to minimising disruption and ensuring users are kept well informed throughout the process.