New car parking arrangements are being introduced at Withdean Sports Complex for drivers staying longer than three hours, to help manage demand for spaces ahead of the introduction of new 3G pitches, padel tennis courts and soft play facilities, and to contribute to maintenance costs.
The changes, due to be introduced in late February, will affect all those parking at the site for longer than three hours.
Visitors to Withdean Sports Complex and the Sportsman pub will be able to extend their three hour stay free of charge by speaking with the sports centre and pub management staff.
The scheme will see Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) introduced to record vehicles entering and leaving the two main car parks. After three hours free parking, a £3 charge will be payable.
Revenue from the new parking charges will be used to support the ongoing maintenance of the car park, including the associated lighting which will ensure the area is well managed and safe.
The scheme is being introduced in partnership with Freedom Leisure which has a lease for the site and manages the whole of Withdean Sports Complex.
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sports, Tourism and Economic Development Committee said: “As we introduce 3G pitches, padel tennis courts and new soft play facilities at Withdean, and visitor numbers increase, it’s important that the car parking at the site is effectively managed to ensure spaces are available for those using the leisure centre and Sportsman pub.
“Introducing a £3 charge after the first three hours will still offer good value for those wishing to use the car park for longer stays, while raising valuable revenue for the upkeep and maintenance.”
Darryl Keech, Freedom Leisure Area Manager added: “We are very excited about the positive improvements and developments happening at Withdean over the coming months which will benefit the whole Brighton and Hove community and our customers from further afield.
This will inevitably result in more visitors and it is important we manage the car parking so everyone can access these great new facilities.
“We would like to reiterate that our regular visitors can park for longer than 3 hours if needed by registering their number plate at our main reception.”
Introducing car parking charges, after the first three hours, will help to manage increasing vehicle numbers when the centre’s new 3G football pitches, padel tennis courts and soft play facilities open later this year.
Those travelling into the city centre will be able to take advantage of the £3 all day parking charge and use the regular no 27 bus service.
For some people, leaving the car at Withdean for more than 3 hours and paying to use the bus will therefore still remain an attractive alternative to driving and parking in the city centre.
Drivers can also purchase overnight parking for £10.
Longer term options for a permanent Park & Ride on the outskirts of the city are being explored.
