Waterworld Car Park to See Cheaper Prices From April

One of Wrexham’s biggest town centre car parks is to benefit from the introduction of reduced parking and the chance to park for three hours for just £2.

Members of Wrexham’s Executive Board yesterday unanimously approved proposals to introduce cheaper prices at Waterworld car park.

The new charges will see the return of the popular three hour car parking option, which will be priced at £2. There will also be a reduction in all day car parking at the weekends, which means shoppers will be able to park all day at Waterworld on Saturday’s and Sunday’s for just £2.

Along with the £2 fee at Waterworld, a series of free car parking days in all council owned car parks were also confirmed yesterday – with free parking available for the Wrexham Food Festival weekend in May, the annual Play Day in August and the Small Business Saturday event in December.

As with previous years there will also be free car parking in the People’s Market in the three weekends leading up to Christmas.

The news has been welcomed by members of Wrexham Council’s Executive Board who stated that the reduction in car parking prices will be a boost to Wrexham’s economy.

Addressing the Board yesterday, Lead Member for Environment and Transport Cllr David Bithell said: “I think this report address some concerns that have been raised and think this goes some way to supporting our local economy in Wrexham.”

Questions regarding the reduction in prices were asked by some councillors, who queried if the changes were a reaction to the introduction of the new car parking fees at Eagles Meadow just before Christmas.

Cllr Arfon Jones said: “Some weeks ago Secure parking took over parking at Eagles Meadow and promptly reduced the charges. Had this been taken into account with this report? If Secure Car Parks are undercutting council, then will this affect the income generation? I was wondering if the department has carried out an impact assessment on what the private sector is doing at Eagles Meadow?”

However the meeting was told by Cllr Bithell that the ‘report was in circulation before the decision was made at Eagles Meadow’.

Cllr Bithell added: “If we go back some months ago and following a question asked to me on a previous report myself and Cllr Neil Rogers did have a meeting with Eagles Meadow, some months ago challenging them about reducing tariffs.

“I welcome Eagles Meadow’s reduction in car parking tariffs and has a positive impact on the town centre. this report has nothing to do with what Eagles Meadow did – because the report was already in circulation, but we do welcome what they’ve done as far

“As far as income is concerned, when the announcement was made I have looked at existing tariffs in both private and council owned car parks, and as previously indicated the council only operate around 22% of car parking revenue.

“I believe ours are more than comparable with the private sectors operators and equally comparable to what Eagles Meadow have done.

“It’s a positive step and think all car parking tariffs are quite broadly the same and this will go some way to addressing and boosting the economy in Wrexham.”

Questions were also asked as to why the changes could not be implemented sooner than April.

Cllr Brian Cameron said: “I welcome this report and I will be like Oliver Twist asking for more. The reason why I’m saying that is you made reference to the local economy and what reduced car parking can do for town. We’ve already seen Eagles Meadow reduce theirs and quite right, I did ask the question of getting involved with private businesses, but that was before the new business (Secure Parking) came in –

“Know all the signs are since the reduction in car parking at Eagles Meadow it it’s had a positive impact. Looking at car parks coming into the guildhall, still rather empty. I’m wondering given the importance of local economy, why have we got to wait until April for this to come in?

Cllr Bithell referred to a question about posted on the Wrexham.com Forums last week, which also asked why the new parking fees could not be introduced sooner than April. Cllr Bithell said: “Unlike private operators we have an issue with statutory notices. Following publication of minutes, we have to make statutory legal order to advertise our car parks and advertise the tariffs thats why we said April 1st.

“We do have real time info in our car parks and do know how many are coming in and out and that’s reflective in the recommendations taken forward. We do monitor them and its chances in the future to alter them and make them more competitive

“This administration in last tow years have done a lot for car parking. Private operators have their role to play and welcome what Eagles Meadow have done.

“It’s good news all round in Wrexham and think it will boost the local economy.”

Council Leader Mark Pritchard added: “I think it’s the best way to go. I am pleased the businesses in the town have embraced this and are supportive. We have met numerous occasions, and they have felt the three hour parking is a way forward. I think its a win win in Wrexham and think we are leading the way in Wrexham. I feel the economy in the town is the number one priority.”

The report also included proposals to look at improving the car parking machines in Wrexham Town Centre, with several machines falling subject to anti-social behaviour and vandalism in recent months.

Cllr Bithell added: “We have had issues with them and will undertake a full review and upgrade where possible to allow better, friendly and more technology in our car parks.”

The new car parking tariffs are expected to be introduced at the start of April.