A Lancaster shopping centre car park has had its opening hours extended until later at night.
St Nicholas Arcades car park will remain open until 11pm seven days a week from September 1, Lancaster City Council has announced.
The shopping centre pay-and-display car park currently opens until 9pm on weekdays and Saturday, and 5pm on Sundays.
The council said the extension was "designed to support the city’s evening economy and cultural venues, such as The Grand Theatre".
They said it reflected their "ongoing commitment to making the city centre more accessible and to encourage more residents and visitors to take advantage of the city’s evening events and nightlife".
Lancaster BID (Business Improvement District), a company supporting city centre businesses, said they supported the news "as it’s a positive step for the night time economy, but we still have concerns regarding parking in the city centre".
The council's plans for the future of car parking in the city centre has caused widespread controversy, particularly with city centre businesses.
After complaints over draft proposals, in July the council approved a new parking strategy, vowing to maintain 1,584 general use council-operated car parking spaces by 2028 - an increase on the current number of spaces available, which stands at 1,329.
They said the reopening of Castle Car Park (287 spaces), expanding Edward Street (112 spaces), and converting current office leased parking to general use (100 spaces) – will ensure that overall parking capacity is maintained.
But within the strategy, plans to build houses on existing car parks including Nelson Street and St Leonardgate have proven unpopular.
“Extending the opening hours of St Nicholas Arcades car park is part of our commitment to helping boost the local economy," said Councillor Peter Jackson, the council's cabinet member with responsibility for Lancaster regeneration and local economy.
“Whether it is going to the theatre or enjoying a late meal at a restaurant, we want residents and visitors to find that the city centre is accessible and welcoming in the evening.”
Beyond Radio has contacted the Grand Theatre for comment.
Read more: Car park monitoring cameras set to be installed in Lancaster - Beyond Radio
Pay-and-display plans revealed for Lancaster Park and Ride - Beyond Radio
New strategy approved for Lancaster city centre car parking - Beyond Radio
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