Lincoln is set to gain 124 new parking spaces with the opening of two new car parks as part of the Selwyn District Council’s town centre upgrade project.
The north car park, which opened on Friday 15 August, is accessed from Gerald Street and Maurice Street. It includes 61 standard spaces, four accessible parks, four EV spaces with chargers to be installed soon, and four motorbike parks.
The south car park, expected to open this week, is accessed from Lyttelton Street and William Street. It will provide 41 standard spaces, two accessible parks, four EV spaces, and four motorbike parks.
Parking at both sites is free. Most spaces have a two hour limit, with some 10 minute spaces near the shops. Bike stands will be added later this year.
The Council’s Executive Director Infrastructure and Property Tim Mason said it was fantastic to reach this milestone in the project.
Selwyn District Council Springs Ward Councillor Grant Miller said it was great to have the car parks open before stage one works start.
“We wanted to ensure these car parks were open before stage one construction begins later this year, giving the Lincoln community and businesses time to become familiar with the new parking,” he said.
Mason said stage one of the project would start later this year. “Later this year, we will be starting work on stage one of the project, which includes a pedestrian plaza, planting over 50 new trees and replacing angled parking on Gerald Street with more open space to improve visibility, safety and public amenity for all road users. It’s all part of creating a town centre that works well for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists.”
He said Lincoln’s rapid growth made the upgrade necessary. “Since 2020, Lincoln’s population has increased from 8,340 to over 12,000 residents – an average growth rate of nearly 10% per year. Lincoln now makes up more than 14% of the Selwyn District’s population, highlighting the need for smart infrastructure and planning to support the growing community.”
Mason said Gerald Street currently carries about 11,000 vehicles daily, a figure expected to increase to 16,000 by 2045. Around 7% of that traffic is heavy and medium commercial vehicles.
Stage one is currently in the tender phase with construction due to begin later this year once a contract is awarded.
Councillor Miller said: “The addition of 50 new trees, expanded pedestrian zones, and cyclist-friendly features are designed to foster a vibrant community space. Residents and visitors can look forward to a refreshed Gerald Street and improved amenities, ensuring Lincoln remains a welcoming place to live, work, and visit.”
