Local businessman John Stephens launches Eden Square Car Park
Date: 09/06/2009
Source: SKV
Eden Square's brand new car park was opened in style last week, with local businessman John Stephens the first to drive through the barriers in his Morgan racing car.
The 2007, 2008 and leading 2009 overall racing champion, who owns Bailey’s Carpet Centre on Higher Road, drove through the barriers of Urmston’s new 630 space car park before it was officially opened to the public.
John said; "It was a real pleasure to have the first opportunity to try out Urmston's new car park. The facilities are excellent and it is very easy to get around. The car park is very light and airy and the large ground floor part is under cover - great for hot days as well as rainy ones! It is a big boost for Urmston and I will be recommending to all my customers to park there.
“It should also appeal to businesses looking to locate in the town, benefiting existing traders as well as new retailers."
The car park is part of the Urmston town centre’s redevelopment and is open Monday to Saturday 06.30 – 23.30 and Sunday 08.30 – 22.30. There will be an initial three hours of free parking time, with all tickets needing validation at the car park machines before exiting the car park. The car park is primarily a shoppers’ facility and will be run to deter long stay parking. After the initial three hours of free parking, the charging structure is £2.50 in total for between 3 and 4 hours and £10 if cars are left for more than 4 hours.
The car park has been designed for ease of use by the public and has CCTV surveillance. The Management Centre which will have a 24 hour security presence is adjacent to the car park.
Executive Councillor Mike Cornes said; “It was fantastic to have John come down and be the first to drive through the barriers. This is the first landmark phase to be opened in the transformation of Urmston town centre and will be a major factor in its success. Giving shoppers the opportunity to park for free, safely and securely will be a huge boost to the already established and new businesses in the town.”
David Deacon, Development Director at Ask Developments, said: “It was great to see John drive in to the car park and officially launch it to public. It provides Urmston shoppers with excellent parking facilities in a safe environment and we are now looking forward to seeing the next important milestone with the opening of Sainsbury’s.”