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New Entrance Improves Barnard Castle Parking

02/02/2010

Work has now been completed to relieve parking in Barnard Castle town centre, by enhancing the visibility of a hidden car park.

A new entrance to The Hole in the Wall car park has now been opened. The car park, which was previously accessible via Birch Road and Queen Street, now has new access from Newgate following works undertaken during the winter months.

The aim of opening up the Hole In the Wall Car Park is to make better use of existing parking available in the town, encourage visitors to use a currently under-used car park, and as a result relieve parking congestion in the town for residents. As part of the planning process, town centre businesses and residents were consulted. The new entrance has been constructed using high-quality materials in keeping with previous works carried out throughout Barnard Castle. 

William Weston, of Barnard Castle Vision Delivery Team, said: “This is a very difficult time for retailers, and Barnard Castle Vision is carrying out this work so visitors will be able to park more easily. This should in turn ease parking problems that residents have been facing, especially around the Horsemarket.

"For 18 months, this car park has had a minimal fee of £1 for four hours or £1.50 for a full day which is unlikely to deter visitors. By opening up the new and clearly visible entrance to the car park, it will be much easier for people to find, and a real advantage to the town centre.

“In due course, the location of the car park will be clearly signposted for drivers entering the town from the A66, and it will have a stone name mark and visitor information.”

Barnard Castle Guild was involved in consultation for this project, and is in favour of the new entrance. 

Sandra Sumner, owner of Chocolate Fayre on Horsemarket and member of Barnard Castle Guild, said: “Barnard Castle Vision has our full backing for its work to improve parking in the town. Anyone who has tried crossing Horsemarket in the past is fully aware of the amount of traffic through the town. These are potential shoppers and if they cannot park then town centre shops are missing out on their custom. The improved parking facilities are vital.”

The work was carried out by Durham County Council and supported by the Urban and Rural Renaissance Initiative, whose aim is improving town and village centres throughout the county. In addition to the new entrance, modest improvements have also been made to the pavement on the north side of Newgate.