New operators of a Bournemouth town centre car park are throwing open its gates for free parking for three weeks to celebrate ‘Covid freedom day’.
Britannia Parking is waiving charges at the BH2 car park from Monday July 19 onwards to boost business for retailers, restaurants, pubs and other firms following the relaxation of lockdown restrictions.
The Bournemouth-based firm, which operates more than 500 car parks nationwide, has teamed up with the owners of BH2 to offer free parking to all motorists for three hours followed by a £3 charge to park all day.
Its ‘Free for Three’ offer comes after the firm took over management of the leisure complex’s 175-space car park in Exeter Crescent and has been welcomed by business leaders and traders.
Britannia Parking chief executive Brian Parker said: “These have been tough times for everyone.
“Working closely in partnership with Legal & General, BH2’s owners, we all agreed that we need to celebrate the lifting of Covid restrictions and mark the new management of the BH2 car park.
“With our offer we can support the local community with free parking and help retailers and businesses by attracting more people into the town centre to boost trade and breathe fresh life into its streets.”
The ‘Free for Three’ offer will last from July 19 to Sunday August 8 for all motorists whether they are using businesses at BH2 or not.
It will be followed by a new pricing structure as well as special offers to keep shoppers, visitors and commuters coming into the town centre.
Entrepreneur Mark Cribb, owner of the Urban Guild with venues including the Urban Garden restaurant is in Lower Gardens, welcomed the move and said: “We’re excited about what the future holds after lockdown lifts.
“This superb gesture is perfectly timed to help get the buzz back into Bournemouth and restore the feelgood factor for which the town centre is so well known.”
Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “Safe, secure and reasonably priced car parking is pivotal to the regeneration and success of our town centres.
“BH2’s free parking pledge is to be applauded and acts as a call to arms for our residents and businesses to really pull together for Bournemouth, its community and the local economy.”
Previously, all-day 24-hour parking at the BH2 car park was £25 on a peak tariff while one hour cost £3 and three hours cost £5, so three hours free and £3 all day shows a revitalised commitment to Bournemouth.
Paul Kinvig, chief operating officer of Bournemouth Town Centre BID, said: “This is great news and it is very welcome to see Britannia Parking as a local company become involved in the town centre.
“The offer for the BH2 car park will be a real boost in encouraging more people to return to the town centre and enjoy all it has to offer.”