Free Town Centre Car Parking Returns!

This festive season Newark and Sherwood District Council is going the extra step to support businesses and to encourage visitors to visit the town as it announces free weekend and Bank Holiday car parking at all pay and display car parks that they manage.

In previous years free parking has been provided only on Sunday’s for the period 27^th November to 18^th December. This year, free parking will be provided on Saturday’s as well as Sunday’s starting from Sunday 26^th November, coinciding with the Christmas Lights Switch, running through to Sunday 31st December. It will also include free parking for Bank Holidays for Monday 25th December and Tuesday 26th December.

It is hoped that the free parking will encourage residents to do their Christmas shopping locally this year in a bid to help support the district’s retailers and high streets.

Those using the car park on one of the free days will not need a ticket when they park, they simply need to park up and visit Newark.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “This year, we wanted to take the extra step and further support residents and businesses this Christmas. The rising costs and the challenges of the cost-of-living crisis could make it a difficult period for businesses and residents alike, but we’re doing all we can to help during this crucial time.

“I encourage all residents and visitors to Newark to take advantage of this fantastic offer and use this as an opportunity to shop in our amazing independent stores and take part in some of the exciting events taking place this year.”

Rowan Cozens, Deputy Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council and Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, said: “This is a great initiative and one that we hope will be a huge benefit for many living and working in the town.

“We’re doing lots to help businesses in Newark and across the district including 1-2-1 training, grants, workshops, ‘Shop Local’ campaigns, access to footfall data and discretionary rate relief on business premises, but we’re always looking for more ways to support our town centre. 

“Newark is an amazing place to shop, have a coffee or spend a family day out, so it’s great that we can encourage more to visit us with this brilliant offer.”  

Neil Stevens, Owner of Gannets café in Newark, said: “This is fantastic news and will help to support many businesses in the town centre like us through the most vital time of the year. The ease of just parking and coming into town on weekends without the worry of buying a ticket will make it more accessible for more visitors to shop in Newark and visit our amazing town.”

A number of festive events are set to take place this Christmas, including Newark’s Christmas Lights Switch On, on Sunday 26th November, this year’s Palace Theatre pantomime Snow White between Friday 8th December and Sunday 31st December and the Christmas Market and Traditions and Steampunk Christmas Market on Saturday 9th December and Sunday 10th December.

The District Council managed car parks offering free parking include those located on Appletongate, London Road, The Wharf, Riverside, Riverside Arena and Castle House. The offer does not apply to resident and contract car parks.