Leicester Car Parks Shut Down, Council Offers Alternatives

0:00It's April 3rd. This is Lester News today, AI-powered stories from your city. I'm Cory with the story. Four car parks in Lester City Center shut down last Friday, March 27th, after NCP win bust. We're talking Rutland Center near the Curve Theatre, plus Spots at Lee Circle, Abbey Street and East Street. One more in Henkley at Britannia Center closed too. City Mayor Sir Peter Solzby made it clear, no taxpayer cash to reopen them. NCP blamed the closures partly on folks ditching cars, post-COVID, with office workers staying home. These spots were running at just 25% capacity on average, and they need big upgrades to stay safe and modern. Sir Peter called it a money pit, saying it wouldn't make sense for the council to take on losses. Locals who use them know the drill empty lots gathering dust while nearby offices sit vacant. The council stepping back with no legal ties, but they're helping landlords brainstorm next moves without spending a dime. Plenty of parking left though, over 10,000 spaces total, including 9,000 off-street and 1,300

1:06on-street bays. Meanwhile, hop on the park and ride from Burstall, Enderby, or Maynell's Gors-Free Parking all day, buses every 15 minutes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., it's $4.85 solo or 6 bucks for a carload of up to 5, smart way to keep the city moving without the hassle.