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.”
Mark Hutton, chair of Lancaster Footlights and Grand Theatre Charity, said: "'Lancaster Footlights and Grand Theatre' welcomes the announcement of the extended opening hours at the St Nicholas Arcade indoor car park - and the commitment to the evening economy.
"We are aware the recently adopted car parking strategy has many different parts, and it's good to see one particular component that enhances visitor choice, being put into action.
"Whilst many of our visitors prefer to park nearer to the theatre, we know that a good number also love spending time in the city centre, shopping or enjoying a meal, before coming to see a show so hopefully this measure will have a positive impact."
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
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
