Three extra dates of Christmas free parking to help shoppers stay local this Christmas

Gloucester City Council is offering free parking at council car parks on Small Business Saturday on December 7 as well as free parking after 3pm on Thursdays in December.

For the first time it will also offer free parking on three consecutive days, Wednesday, December 18 to Friday, December 20 after 3pm.

Small Business Saturday is a nationwide event which aims to encourage shoppers to support local and independent retailers in the run up to Christmas.

Gloucester City Council is getting behind the campaign by offering free parking throughout the day in the council’s car parks on Westgate Street, Station Road and Hare Lane North.

It will also offer free parking on Thursdays from 3pm and after 3pm from 18-20 December at the Eastgate Shopping Centre and Kings Walk Shopping Centre car parks, which together have over 600 spaces.

Free parking

• Westgate Street - Free after 3pm (Thursdays in December) and Saturday, December 7
• Station Road - Free after 3pm (Thursdays in December) and Saturday, December 7
• Hare Lane North – Free after 3pm (Thursdays in December) and Saturday, December 7
• Eastgate Shopping Centre – Free after 3pm (Thursdays in December) and after 3pm December 18-20
• Kings Walk Shopping Centre - Free after 3pm (Thursdays in December) and after 3pm December 18-20

The free parking will allow shoppers not to feel rushed and to enjoy late-night shopping too.

Councillor Declan Wilson, deputy leader of Gloucester City Council and Cabinet Member for Performance and Resources, said: “We’re delighted to offer even more free parking to encourage people to enjoy shopping and support retailers in Gloucester this Christmas. Free parking makes it even easier to shop locally, discover unique gifts, and enjoy supporting our local economy. When we shop local, we’re investing directly in the heart of our community, helping small businesses thrive and creating a more vibrant and connected place to live.”

Emily Gibbon, Manager at Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID) said: “Small and independent businesses are the lifeline of our city. We need to support them as much as we can throughout the year and days like Small Business Saturday give us the opportunity to showcase the wonderful array of small businesses we have here in Gloucester.”

In the lead up to #SBS2024, Gloucester BID will be highlighting some of the many small businesses that make our city vibrant. Follow their Facebook and Instagram pages to find out more

Shoppers are reminded to check car parking closing times.

www.smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com

Photo of David Evans, City Growth and Delivery Manager and Councillor Declan Wilson, Emily Gibbon with local retailer, Kate Lankester (Bizarre)