More reasons to love Manchester...
People wanting to show their love for Manchester will be able to benefit from free parking and travel in the days ahead. A range of transport initiatives have been unveiled to help visitors enjoy city centre shopping and attractions and support our businesses.
Drivers will benefit from free parking at a number of NCP car parks during designated times and Manchester City Council is matching the gesture with free on-street parking, again at designated times.
For the next three Saturdays – 20 August, 27 August and 3 September – parking will be free in the High Street (Arndale) car park between 6.30pm and 10pm – a saving of up to £6.90.
And for the next three Thursdays – 18 August, 25 August and 1 September – parking will also be free in the Chester Street, Printworks and Salford Exchange car parks between 4pm and 8pm.
Please note the offer is only valid at the above car parks during the specified times and parking before or after those hours will still incur a charge.
Manchester City Council has announced that on-street parking will also be free from 4pm for the next three Thursdays.
The move is designed to support the evening economy as the city bounces back from the Tuesday 9 August disturbances.
It comes as Metrolink have also announced free travel between 10am and 6pm this Sunday, 20 August for up to two adults and two children using a voucher which will be available from the Transport for Greater Manchester website at www.tfgm.com and in Friday’s edition of the Manchester Evening News. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
With Manchester Pride returning on Saturday 27 August and grand prix hero Jenson Button racing down Deansgate as part of the Vodaphone VIP Live event on Bank Holiday Monday, 29 August it is set to be another memorable few weeks in the city – for all the right reasons.
Sir Richard Leese, leader of Manchester City Council, said: “The city has embraced the I Love Manchester campaign with enthusiasm and there is no better way of demonstrating that spirit than getting out and enjoying everything the city centre has to offer – whether it’s shopping, culture or nightlife.
“With so much to look forward to in Manchester in the next few weeks, on top of the city’s usual vibrant mix of shopping and attractions, it’s time to put last week’s events behind us and show the world what Manchester’s really all about.”
City centre spokesperson Councillor Pat Karney said: “The last few days have seen a tremendous outpouring of pride in Manchester. With these fantastic transport offers, there are more reasons than ever to celebrate Manchester and enjoy all that it has to offer.”
Glen Barkworth, general manager of Manchester Arndale, said: “The initial idea of doing something that would embrace Manchester City has evolved into three weeks of activity which has now been endorsed by all the relevant parties. This is really exciting to see and I urge all Mancunians to take up these offers of free parking and transport to come and see what Manchester and of course Manchester Arndale is made of.”
Jo Cooper, chief executive officer of NCP, said: “NCP is delighted to offer free parking as part of Manchester working together to help get the city bounce back. Visitors to the city centre can enjoy free parking at the times and car parks detailed on this release, and we hope customers take the opportunity to support Manchester.”
Maggie Clark, Director of Xtrax, said: “We hope that everyone will join us at this feelgood festival and help us celebrate what Manchester does best and that Platform 4 loves Manchester.”