With the festive season coming up, people are struggling to make the decision between gifts and bills during the cost-of-living crisis. Gloucester city council has offered shoppers free parking to encourage their custom to local businesses.
Beginning on December 2nd, it will last all day in three major car parks – Westgate Street, Station Road, Hare Lane (North Car Park). It will then be on offer at the Eastgate Shopping Centre, and Kings Walk Shopping Centre, giving a total of 600 spaces out for grabs; hopefully inviting as many as over 2000 customers.
Hannah Norman, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council said “we know how vital local and small businesses are to creating a vibrant and welcoming high street so we want to do all we can to back them”.
Eastgate shopping centre and Kings Walk car parks are open from 7am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday. An all-day parking ticket costs £8.
Emily Gibbo, Manager at Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID), said “Supporting [independent businesses] this small business Saturday and throughout the year, will help our city thrive and flourish.”
Gloucester hosts a wide range of stores in the multiple shopping arcades, they’re also promoting small businesses with their winter markets that run every weekend, and the ice rink has made its return to the Quays – only a short walk away from the city centre!
