The first phase of a major makeover of The Malls car park has been completed in time for the Christmas shopping season.

 

Christmas shoppers heading into Basingstoke town centre will find the car park at the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council-owned shopping centre has been modernised with resurfaced areas, widened bays and safer routes for pedestrians.

 

Major improvement works began in July as part of a £1.8 million refurbishment of the car park. The project is being carried out in two separate stages to avoid the busy festive season and so that around half of the parking spaces remain available during each phase.

 

With the first phase completed on Monday (9 November), the car park is now back to full capacity, making it easier for people to visit The Malls and the town centre in the run-up to Christmas.

 

The council’s Cabinet member responsible for car parks Cllr Andy Konieczko said: “We’re now halfway through a major project that will make a big difference for those of us who regularly enjoy Basingstoke town centre.  The work done so far will make things easier for those driving into Basingstoke to enjoy everything the town has to offer over the festive period, from finding something a little different in its independent shops to joining in Christmas events with family and friends.

 

“The car park is now fully open until the spring, when work begins on the second phase of the project. This will include resurfacing more of the car park and upgrading the entrance and exit barriers to introduce ticketless parking. We’ll also be installing new payment machines and drivers will be able to pay for parking using them or the RingGo app on their phones.

 

“We’ve been investing heavily in our town centre since we took over the running of the council three years ago and we’re seeing the benefits in terms of new store openings, better facilities and a real buzz around the place.” 

 

The Malls’ Centre Manager Lisa Evans said: “We’re delighted to have the car park fully open again as we head into one of the busiest times of the year.

 

“The improvements will make a real difference to people visiting The Malls and we’re looking forward to welcoming shoppers over the festive period.”

 

The second and final phase of improvements is set to begin in the spring and finish by the end of the summer.

 

Shoppers can see what’s on offer at The Malls at www.TheMalls.co.uk

 

More information about parking at The Malls is on the council’s website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/malls-parking