Free parking for shoppers in Cheltenham during race week
Parking in all council run car parks will be free of charge every afternoon, from 1pm onwards during Cheltenham race week.
From Monday 13 to Friday 17 March 2017 inclusive, visitors can enjoy the town centre for even longer thanks to the free parking. The initiative hopes to encourage shoppers to visit the town during Cheltenham's Gold Cup festival and to show support for the festival as well as for local retailers and businesses.
Car parks allowing free parking after 1pm each day from Monday 13 to Friday 17 March 2016 are:
- Bath Parade
- Bath Terrace
- Cheltenham Walk
- Commercial Street
- High Street
- Coronation Square
- West End
- Regent Arcade
- Rodney Road
- Royal Well (maximum stay 4 hours)
- Sherborne Place
- St Georges Road
- St James Street
- Town Centre East (formerly Grosvenor Terrace)
It is hoped that motorists, on average, will save around £3 per day on parking during this time.
Councillor Andrew McKinlay, cabinet member for development and safety, said: “Cheltenham benefits greatly during race week, it’s a great atmosphere and visitors love coming here. But we do recognise that it can be a quiet time in the town centre and we hope that the free parking will encourage those who aren’t watching the races to come and enjoy what the retailers and businesses have to offer.’’
Kevan Blackadder, director of Cheltenham Business Improvement District (BID), said: “There is a mistaken belief by many local people that Cheltenham town centre is best avoided throughout the duration of race week. In fact, once racegoers head up to Prestbury Park ahead of the early-afternoon start of the racing, the town centre not only remains open for business, but is easily accessible.
“I’m delighted that the council is supporting town centre businesses by again providing free parking in its car parks throughout the week. I would recommend that shoppers take advantage and head into town.”
Free afternoon parking during Race Week will only apply to council run car parks listed. It does NOT apply to Chester Walk, North Place, Portland Street, NCP The Brewery or any other privately run car park in the town centre.
Explore Gloucestershire
28 February 2017
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