Sleaford to get new car park on Kesteven Street as council gives plans to convert old ambulance station the go ahead

A former ambulance station is set to become a car park with free and low cost parking.

Plans for the derelict site on Kesteven Street, in Sleaford were given the green light by North Kesteven District Council at a meeting last week to create additional public parking close to the town centre.

Because it is accessible off Eastgate — one of the main routes in to town — it can serve vehicles before they reach the one-way system, helping to address the congestion problem and prevent vehicle idling and car dominance in the centre.

During discussions, it was decided the facility will offer the first hour for free, charge £1.50 for up to three hours and £3.50 for any longer, with the hopes the lower prices will support workers, shoppers and visitors to the Hub and nearby leisure centre in particular.

The council’s executive board was advised that plans and approaches should be developed to make the site available as soon as possible in order to respond to perceived parking need.

David Steels, assistant director of environment and public protection, said the new provision, coupled with the replacement of parking machines and introduction of phone, text and app payments will enhancing parking provision, broaden customer choice and support the town’s economic renewal.