New car park opened in Sidmouth

Sidmouth’s newest pay and display car park is now open for business at the Manor Pavilion Theatre.

The decision to make the venue’s privately owned car park, on Manor Road, a public pay and display was made back in April, by East Devon District Council’s cabinet.

This resolution was subsequently debated by the authority’s scrutiny committee and that in turn led to further public consultations.

The car park has now been declared officially open by District Councillor Tom Wright on Tuesday (November 7).

Cllr Wright said the actual process to turn the car park into a pay and display began in October 2012.

He added: “After much consideration and well publicised debate, I am pleased that common sense has prevailed and I am delighted that Sidmouth’s newest pay and display car park is now open for business.

“This car park will be well used by Sidmouth’s shoppers, residents and visitors as a useful addition to our public car park portfolio and the revenue it generates will in turn help to secure the future of the theatre and arts centre.”

The Herald previously reported how it was hoped that the pay and display car park, which is made up of 21 spaces, would help pay for improvements in the theatre such as new seating and lighting.

The car park will operate on a short only stay basis between 8am and 8pm, in order to ensure the turnover of spaces.

This also increases the chances of some theatre customers finding parking at around 7pm. The car park will be free to use them from 8pm to 8am.

The authority has also agreed to allow users of the arts centre to have a short grace period to allow them to leave their vehicle in the car park while loading or unloading heavy or bulky equipment. Anyone queuing to buy theatre tickets from the box office will also be able to benefit from a similar courtesy.

Cllr Wright said: “We also expect the car park will become popular with local residents and their visitors during its free-of-charge overnight period.”