Hundreds of spaces are set to be lost, while dozens of people are set to lose their jobs
The NCP Leicester Rutland Centre car park is among those which will close.(Image: Google)
The closure of multiple NCP car parks across Leicestershire has been called “very worrying” and could have a “detrimental” impact on the city, one MP has warned.
Four National Car Parks Limited (NCP) car parks in the city centre will close in a matter of days after the firm collapsed into administration earlier this month.
It is a move that is to see 33 employees made redundant.
In all, 22 NCP sites across the country will close at 11.59pm this Thursday (March 27), with Leicester losing four car parks to the administration process.
Hundreds of parking spaces are expected to be lost in the city as NCP’s Abbey Street, East Street, Lee Circle and Rutland Centre locations will cease operations.
A fifth NCP car park, in Hinckley’s Britannia Shopping Centre, will also close on Thursday.
Liz Kendall, MP for Leicester West, told LeicestershireLive the closures would have a major impact on the city.
She said: “This is a very worrying time for the NCP employees who will be made redundant. It is vital that they are provided with the support they need to find alternative work.
“This will also have a huge impact on those who rely on these car parks for work and for leisure, and with the Easter holidays imminent, these closures are likely to cause disruption around the city centre.”
Leicester East MP Shivani Raja has expressed worry towards Leicester’s high streets and town centres at a time when they “need support the most”.
Ms Raja added: “I am deeply concerned by the closure of NCP car parks across Leicester, resulting in job losses which will not only have a detrimental impact on employment across our city.
“My thoughts are with those affected by these job losses, as well as the residents and local businesses who rely on accessible parking in our city.
“These closures risk driving customers away from our high streets and town centres at a time when they need support the most. Reduced access will only make it harder for local businesses to thrive.
“Leicester City Council must act swiftly to provide suitable parking alternatives and introduce incentives that encourage people to continue visiting and supporting our local economy.
“I stand ready to support any constituents affected by these changes and urge anyone impacted to get in touch with my office.”
Lee Circle car park is among the NCP sites set to close (Image: Mike Sewell)
LeicestershireLive contacted Leicester City Council who said they were informed of the closures on Monday (March 23).
They have offered reassurance to the public, noting that there are still thousands of spaces available for use in the city.
A council spokesman said: “These closures form part of NCP’s national administration process and are outside of the council’s control.
“We recognise that this will temporarily reduce parking capacity in and around the city centre and appreciate the concern this may cause for residents, visitors, and businesses.
“We are working closely with partners to manage the impact of these closures, and looking at any future actions needed.
“Across Leicester, there remain more than 6,000 off‑street parking spaces and around 1,300 on‑street spaces available for public use, including at key city‑centre sites such as Highcross, Haymarket, Newarke Street, St Nicholas Circle, Dover Street and Phoenix Square.
“Details of all city centre car parks and a map showing their location is available on our website.”
The council also called on people to consider using Park & Ride services from Birstall, Enderby and Meynell’s Gorse as alternatives for “convenient, affordable and sustainable access to the city centre”.
“Parking is free all day, and buses run into the city centre every 15 minutes from 7am to 7pm. Tickets cost £4.85 for a single passenger, and £6 for up to five people arriving at the site in one car. There’s more information online,” the spokesperson said.
Those wishing to travel by bus will also be able to benefit from a newly-reduced price that comes into effect from Sunday (March 29) and will be in place throughout the Easter half-term break.
The council added: “The Leicester Buses Partnership has recently introduced new, reduced price Flexi Tickets which can be used on all buses in Leicester.
“These will be available from March 29, and during the Easter holidays will include a Family Flexi ticket which costs just £6.40 for two adults and up to three children to have a day’s unlimited travel anywhere within Leicester.
“More information available on the Leicester Buses website.”