By Tara O’Connor, Local Democracy Reporter
Croydon shoppers will be able to park in the town centre for £1 in the run up to Christmas. It is hoped the offer will entice more people to the “struggling” town centre.
Starting this Sunday, discounted parking will be offered every Sunday until December 18. The promotion will be available in the Centrale multi-storey car park.
Matthew Sims, chief executive at Croydon Business Improvement District said: “We need to do all we can to support people as our community’s grapple with the impact of the rise in the cost of living.
“While the worries will remain for us all, we hope our £1 car parking offer will, for a short time, allow friends and families to shop without worrying too much about the cost of their car parking ticket. It’s the little things.
“There is no denying that our town centre is struggling and so we hope this partnership will support our business community, attracting the all-important Christmas trade back to our favourite shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, and leisure facilities as we look to spend time and enjoy Christmas with friends and family.”
The free parking coincides with free Christmas events being run in the town centre. This includes a Santa’s grotto and gingerbread workshops opposite House of Fraser in Centrale.
A free roller rink will also open from November 25 until December 24 in the Whitgift Centre. It will be open from 12-6pm Monday to Saturday and 12-5pm on Sundays.
In recent years, businesses have struggled due to the uncertainty over the redevelopment of the town centre. It has now been three years since Westfield ditched plans for a huge £1.5billion super mall.
The company still working on an alternative plan for Croydon. At this stage it looks like that will include fewer new shops, a hotel, offices and restaurants.
Pictured top: Centrale Car Park (Picture: Google Street View)
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