Proposals to create 32 additional on-street parking spaces in Leicester’s Cultural Quarter are set to be put forward for public consultation by the city council.
The plans would see double yellow lines removed from a number of streets and replaced with pay-and-display parking bays, while maximum stay limits would be extended from three hours to five. Parking would remain free after 6pm.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
If approved following the statutory consultation process, work to install the new bays could begin this summer.
In the meantime, the council has announced short-term measures to support disabled visitors, including those attending performances at Curve. Eleven existing pay-and-display spaces will be temporarily converted into disabled bays for Blue Badge holders, offering free parking for up to five hours.
The move comes after the recent closure of the Rutland Centre car park, which has reduced accessible parking in the area. Work to create the temporary disabled bays is expected to be completed this month, with arrangements to be reviewed as part of the wider scheme.
The parking proposals form part of a broader programme of improvements across the Cultural Quarter. Ongoing works include footpath upgrades on Yeoman Street, with further phases planned for Church Street and Colton Street.
Improvements involve resurfacing pavements with amber resin-bound gravel, resetting kerbs and redesigning drainage to improve water run-off.
Assistant city mayor for environment and transport, Geoff Whittle, said the area was a “busy hub for workers and residents” and highlighted the need to improve access, particularly for disabled visitors.
He added that the council was taking “immediate action” to increase accessible parking while also enhancing the overall look and durability of the streets.
The works are expected to cost around £800,000 and will be funded through the Government’s Local Transport Grant.
Further environmental improvement proposals for the Cultural Quarter are due to go out for public consultation later this spring.
