Mayor opens new car park at Perins School

The new car park and footpath at Perins School in Alresford were officially declared open last Wednesday by the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Dominic Hiscock.

Members of the Alresford Town Partnership, which has lead the fundraising and the work, were there to celebrate the event. They were joined by representatives of the funding partners, local businesses, local residents, and students from Perins School.

The new car park and footpath are part of the Putting Pedestrians First project being led by Alresford Town Partnership. The aim is to make Alresford town centre a more pedestrian-friendly place by encouraging people to leave their cars at the car park and walk into town.

The new facilities are the result of collaboration between several bodies, including Alresford Town Council, Winchester City Council, and Hampshire County Council. It is hoped that the introduction of this long-term car park will reduce traffic in the town centre, and free up the short term parking spaces for shoppers and visitors. The new footpath across the school playing fields links the town centre with the residential area to the south west of the school, offering a direct pedestrian route into town.

Dr.Nigel Paterson, Chair of the Alresford and District Partnership, is pleased with the work. He said: “The new car park is already being used from day one by local workers, and it has been encouraging to hear the wide appreciation for this project.  As a result of these extra spaces, more short stay parking spaces have been freed-up outside the shops. The footpath has also allowed people to walk into the town centre rather than driving by car. We believe this will make the town centre more accessible to local people, and we hope it will also encourage visitors to make the most of Alresford’s attractive facilities.”

The project benefited from a grant from the South East England Development Agency’s (SEEDA) Small Rural Towns Fund, contributions by local property developers, grant funding from Winchester City Council, Bighton Parish Council, New Alresford Town Council and contributions from the local business community including the Watercress Line.

Last Updated: Monday 27 March 2017