Media Release - Half price parking in the city to start Monday.

Adelaide City Council will halve the cost of parking for three hours in its Rundle Street, Wyatt Street and Gawler Place car parks from Monday 2 July.

In what will be a closely monitored three month trial, visitors will pay a flat rate of $6 to park for up to three hours in these car parks, making it even easier to pop into the city for lunch, a spot of shopping or a business meeting.

Councillor Houssam Abiad initiated the idea as a way to encourage more people into the city centre and to support businesses in and around Rundle Mall.

“It’s about enticing those people into the CBD who may not normally see the city as an option for shopping and dining. People want to be able to come in for a few hours without having to pay a lot for parking,” he said.

“It’s about invigorating retailing in the city and encouraging people to come into the Mall rather than just shopping online. The city also has plenty of culture on offer and cheaper parking will make it possible for everyone to come in and enjoy it.

“Due to their locations, these car parks are primarily for shoppers and visitors to places like the art gallery and museum. However, there’s still plenty of longer term parking around for those who need it, as well as other transport options.”

The all day Sunday flat rate and evening rate will continue to be available in other UParks, including Pirie/Flinders and Topham Mall, where a flat rate of $6 is also available Saturdays. Early bird discount fees from Monday to Saturday will remain in UParks throughout the city.

The Pirie/Flinders, Topham Mall and Frome Street UParks are all within easy walking distance of Rundle Mall, Rundle Street and other food and entertainment areas.

“Rundle Mall is the retailing heart of Adelaide and those UPark car parks located within immediate proximity to the Mall were established many years ago to support the retail community. This three month trial will do exactly that and I encourage shoppers to support this initiative so that it then becomes a permanent feature,” said Theo Maras, Rundle Mall Management Authority Chairman.

Tony Gilligan, Director of Peter Shearer said, “Car parking plays a key role in influencing Rundle Mall’s effectiveness as a retail precinct. UPark’s trial offer will undoubtedly drive more customers into the Mall and that can only be beneficial for both the retailers and their customers”.

Councillor Abiad said that making it easy for people to come into the city would support businesses while increasing vitality and energy in the central areas.

“This new rate will encourage greater turnover of car parks and enable access to the city for more people, and the benefits of this will flow on to business owners,” he said.

“People who park for three hours or less will save up to $6 a visit under the trial, so it’s great news for visitors to the city.”

To find out more about the new rate structure, visit http://upark.com.au/.  

To give your feedback during the trial of the $6 flat rate, go to www.yoursay.adelaidecitycouncil.com.

Media contact: Paula Stevens, 8203 7760 or 0427 910 554


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