Leicester Car Parks Close, Concerns for Cultural Quarter

0:00It's March 27. You're listening to Lester News today, AI-powered local news. Four national car parts sites in Lester City Center are closing permanently this Friday, including spots at Lee Circle, Rutland Street, Avey Street, and East Street. These lots held 2,400 spaces in total, but City Council data shows they were rarely full, with peak use topping out at just 1,321 spots. The council insists there's no need to worry, pointing to more than 10,000 spaces still available across other City Center car parks. They've rolled out a traffic management plan, using signs to guide drivers to alternatives like high cross and their own multi-stories, plus promoting. Park and ride options. Local leaders and businesses aren't so sure. Liberal Democrat counselor, Zufar Hock, warns the losses could hit the cultural quarter hard, hurting places like Curve Theater and The Night Time. The economy since convenient parking will be gone.

1:01Restaurant owners report canceled bookings already, and Curve's team notes it mainly affects drivers, including those with disabilities though. They've shared nearby walking options less than 10 minutes away. Council teams are monitoring flows closely this weekend and beyond, ready to tweet plans of Q's build, while nationwide this is part of 22. NCP closures with 33 jobs lost locally.