Middleborough car park lease being surrendered – what it means and why?

The authority will give up its control of Middleborough car park, in Middleborough, next Friday.

Read more >>> Why a Colchester town centre car park’s lease is being surrendered

But what exactly does this mean and why is the council doing it?

Colchester Council is ending the tenancy for 214 parking spaces for a variety of reasons, including the increased costs associated with the maintenance and drop in usage.

Surrendering the lease could mean a private firm will be found to take over the running of Middleborough car park.

This could mean more expensive parking prices.

Or there could be an alternative plan for the car park, but nothing has been confirmed.

At the moment parking at Middleborough costs £2.90 for up to two hours Monday to Saturday.

But it is one of the cheapest long-stay car parks in Colchester, with over four hours available for £6.

This means it is particularly popular with works in the town centre.

Season tickets are also available, priced at £250 for three months and £920 for a year.

The car park will continue to operate privately for businesses based at the Octagon.

Permit and season ticket holders have been notified of the changes and offered alternative parking provision.

Signage informing motorists of the upcoming change has also been installed.

Read more >>> Lease of long-stay Middleborough Car Park is surrendered by council

What have the council said?

The council said its parking strategy recommends reducing car journeys into town at peak times when alternatives such as Colchester’s park and ride are available.

But park and ride service is currently suspended due to the pandemic.

Mike Lilley

Colchester Council's communities, wellbeing a public safety boss Mike Lilley said: “The coronavirus pandemic has impacted on the way people travel and use their vehicles, and usage of Middleborough car park has dropped by 50 per cent since the start of 2019.

“Bearing these factors in mind alongside costs, the council’s budget gap and the considerable financial uncertainty created by the pandemic, surrendering the lease is the right action to take.”

What have residents said?

Some drivers claim the car park is still used by many residents.

Billie Batten-Jones said: “Councillors obviously haven’t had to sit at the top of the car park for an hour waiting to get out of it before.”

Emily Shewring said the car park was often full before her 10.30am shift started.

Where else can I park in the town centre?

There are several other council owned car parks in Colchester town centre.

These are - Britannia, Priory Street, Sheepen Road, St John's, St Mary's and Vineyard Street.

Prices vary at each but there are deals available at many of them depending on how long you need to stay.

You can find out more about the council's car parks here.