First look at new Mackay Street parking plan
First look at new Mackay Street parking
plan
Plans showing the new Mackay Street car park and proposed changes to surrounding car park time limits have been released by the Thames Community Board.
The conversion of the old bowling green opposite our Council building to a public car park involving 60 additional parks begins this month.
The new car park area is owned by the Thames Community Board which will submit a bylaw amendment for Council to consider at its December Council meeting.
"Parking in this part of Thames is sorely needed," says Chair Strat Peters, "with our Thames Council offices, AA service, the library and the hospital all in close proximity and currently a limited amount of off-road parking available."
At its meeting this week, the Community Board discussed the possibility of also reserving 24 of its new car park spaces for town centre businesses to lease exclusively for $20 per week. Staff have ben tasked with investigating options in discussion with business owners in the Thames town centre. The rest of the new parking area will be free.
Other changes proposed include changing the parking area behind the library from unrestricted to 120 minutes, with those who require all-day parking able to park in the free area of the new car park next to the bowling green, and additional 20 minute zones along the front of Council so you have more opportunities to park during the day.
"Although some current parks along the front of the new car park will be lost when the new entrance is built, there will be a dramatic gain in total car parks available by the time people return to work in the new year," Mr Peters says.
"We're hoping to have the new car park ready by Christmas if weather and other conditions remain favourable."