The opening of Castle Car Park in Newcastle-under-Lyme will be "the catalyst for a series of improvements", says the local council.

Newcastle Borough Council said "the clean, safe, well-lit multi-storey [...] will provide parking day and night for visitors and include EV charging points".

The opening of the 455-space site will allow the transformation of the Midway car park into 100 apartments and the sale (or partial sale) of some of the smaller car parks.

Stephen Sweeney, Deputy Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: "Town centre parking provision is vital to residents, businesses and visitors and plays an integral part in Newcastle-under-Lyme's vibrancy and ongoing regeneration.

 "Therefore, it's important that we have a carefully considered management strategy which can evolve to reflect changing needs, innovation and support town centre regeneration.

Free and discounted parking will continue on other council car parks (Newcastle Borough Council).

 "The arrival of Castle Car Park in the heart of the town centre will not only provide a safe, well-lit option for use day and night, it will allow us to evolve what we provide and potentially free land to be used for housing – which eases demand elsewhere."

Free parking will continue on five 'event' days each year, usually connected with the festive period, and the '£1 after 1pm' offer, which was introduced during the pandemic, will continue on Cherry, Corporation, Goose, Hassall, King, Silverdale, and Windsor Car Parks but will be reviewed in the short term to ensure that the offer continues to attract visitors to the town centre.

Given the demand for space, the '£1 after 1pm' offer at School Street and Barracks Road car parks will end at 7.59pm and then there will be a new £1 charge at those two sites from 8pm.

The new Castle Car Park is due to open in January.

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