Free Festive Parking for Gloucester’s Shoppers

Gloucester City Council is helping to encourage shoppers to support local and independent retailers in the run up to Christmas by offering free parking after 3pm on Thursdays.

The offer will apply to the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Kings Walk Shopping Centre car parks which have over 600 spaces between them. The free parking will allow shoppers not to feel rushed and to enjoy late-night shopping too.

Also to celebrate Small Business Saturday and to back Gloucester’s wealth of independent businesses, three car parks will be free all day on Saturday, 2 December - Westgate Street, Station Road and Hare Lane North Car Park.

Gloucester BID will also launch its Reindeer Trail as part of Small Business Saturday, to help shoppers to get into the festive mood and will also be bringing out a new map showing people where Gloucester’s unique and thriving independent shops can be found.

Cllr Hannah Norman, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, said: “We know just how vital local and small businesses are to creating a vibrant and welcoming high street so we want to do all we can to back them. They face a lot of competition with people shopping online but I would urge people to shop local this December and remember our independents who offer something special. That way we can help protect local jobs and keep our high streets thriving.”

Emily Gibbon, Manager at Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID), said: “Small businesses make up 95 per cent of all UK businesses and are the backbone of our local economy here in Gloucester. We have a plethora of wonderful independent salons, coffee shops, gift shops and eateries that all offer something bigger chains can’t - a personalised service and unique products perfect for any occasion. Supporting them this Small Business Saturday and throughout the year, will help our city thrive and flourish.”

Shoppers are reminded to check car parking closing times.