Bridlington, the seaside town recently named one of the UK's best places to retire, has opened a new £15.5 million multi-storey car park aimed at encouraging more shopping visits and supporting local businesses.
The 426-space facility, located on Beck Hill between Manor Street and Hilderthorpe Road, officially opened this week. Funded by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, it offers drivers their first hour of parking free of charge, with the aim of attracting more people into the town centre.
Investment and local benefits
Local councillors say the car park will also ease traffic congestion in the town centre, where motorists currently circle Bridlington's one-way system in search of a space. The facility includes EV charging and overnight parking.
Anne Handley (Conservative), leader of the council and councillor for Goole North, said: "This multi-storey car park marks a major investment in Bridlington and a milestone in the regeneration of this town, and I’m thrilled to be able to open it. We hope by offering the first hour of parking for free, this will not only help local shoppers popping into the town centre for a quick stop but also boost trade for local businesses. I want to thank the architects and the construction team for delivering a truly impressive and high-quality building for this town."
Car park details and events
Of the 426 spaces, 389 are standard bays, 31 are accessible bays, and there are six electric vehicle charging points. The barriers open automatically on entry, with ticketless automatic number plate recognition cameras in place.
Councillor Nick Coultish (Conservative), East Riding Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Tourism, added: "This car park will, of course, make it easier for residents to use the shops easier every week, all year round. And it will really make things easier for visitors when we host massive events here such as Race The Waves or Bridlington Kite Festival. It will alleviate street parking too, which is an issue for many residents in Bridlington."
Retirement appeal and property market
Bridlington, located on the Holderness coast of the North Sea in the East Riding of Yorkshire, has a population of around 35,000. World Atlas ranked it among the best places to retire in Britain, citing its two expansive sandy beaches, North Beach and South Beach, and its Old Town with cobbled streets lined with independent shops and pubs.
According to data from RightMove, houses in Bridlington sold for an average of £192,181 over the last year, more than £80,000 below the average UK property price of £272,800. Semi-detached homes sold for an average of £184,908, detached properties for £284,232, and terraced properties for £157,168.
World Atlas noted: "Two long sand beaches sit on either side of Bridlington's harbour, and the harboor is still a working one, with crab and lobster coming onto the quay. The town has 34,845 residents and a promenade that suits a walk of any length." The website added that the town shares the East Riding housing market with Beverley, where the district average runs some £70,000 below the England figure.
