Colchester Castle is the latest business to sign up to the innovative MiPermit Discounts scheme from the North Essex Parking Partnership.
Visitors to the historic site can now benefit from discounted town centre parking when using the MiPermit app.
The inclusion of Colchester Castle means the pilot now has 12 businesses all offering reduced parking rates to customers. With a wider range of businesses involved, it now offers customers a varied choice. Other businesses added to the scheme recently include Colchester’s Visitor Information Centre and The Gym Group.
Colchester Castle Museum is one of the East of England’s most popular tourist destinations, as well as a popular choice with locals. Throughout the year, the Castle has a packed programme of family-friendly events, including the upcoming Treat Week in October half term. Customers will be able to claim a discount off their parking when attending any of the Castle’s events throughout the year, making a visit great value.
Visitors to the castle will receive £1 off their parking when purchasing two adult entry tickets or one family entry ticket. Spending £10 in the Visitor Information Centre gift shop will reward customers with a £1 discount. The Gym members will receive a generous offer of £2 off their parking, every time they use the facility and park in Vineyard Street and Priory Street car parks.
MiPermit Discounts launched on 28 June 2021 with nine businesses and is believed to be one of the first of its kind in the country. It provides motorists with parking stay discounts of up to £5 when they make a purchase in participating town centre shops and businesses.
Cllr Simon Crow, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainability, said: “It’s excellent to see that after such a brief period, the MiPermit Discounts scheme has expanded to offer a wider range of choice to residents. I believe this project is vital to aid town centre recovery and could be the future of town centre parking if we can encourage more businesses to be involved.”
Cllr Darius Laws, Portfolio Holder for Economy, Business & Heritage, added: “I’m delighted that Colchester Castle has joined this innovative scheme, which ensures we are offering the very best discounts and incentives to travel to Colchester and enjoy our town’s rich heritage and history.”
The pilot will be reviewed in December; after the six-month stage the decision will be made whether to progress the scheme.
The scheme is available in all council-owned town centre car parks, and further information about MiPermit Discounts, including participating businesses, can be found at www.colchester.gov.uk/parkandsave.
To find out more about parking in the town, including locations of car parks and year-round deals, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/parking
Page last reviewed: 14 October 2021