Visitors to Colchester Leisure Park will continue to benefit from free parking, as new arrangements are introduced to make parking simpler and easier to use.
In the coming weeks, the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP) will take over the management of the leisure park’s car parks, working with management company Avison Young, bringing the leisure park car parks into Colchester City Council’s wider parking system.
What this means for visitors
The updated approach is designed to keep things straightforward, while making sure parking spaces are available for people enjoying everything the leisure park has to offer.
- Multi-storey car park (serving the main leisure park)
A new tariff structure will be introduced, but customers will still be able to park for free for set periods of time when visiting leisure venues by validating their stay inside their chosen venue. - Surface car park (outside Wendy’s and Greggs)
Ideal for quick visits, this area will offer up to 90 minutes’ free parking, with no return within two hours. Visitors just need to register their free stay using the MiPermit app, or on devices within Wendys and Greggs. - Hotel car park (Travelodge)
Parking will remain free for hotel guests, with stays validated during their visit. - Busy event and match days
On particularly busy days, such as Colchester United home games and other major events, parking charges for those not using leisure park venues will be higher than usual. This approach is designed to prioritise spaces for customers of Colchester Leisure Park, helping ensure people can still park and enjoy the cinema, restaurants and other venues during peak times.
Keeping parking fair and available
These changes will help keep spaces turning over, so visitors can find parking more easily, particularly at busy times. By encouraging short stays in high-demand areas and supporting validated parking for customers, the new system helps strike a balance between convenience and fairness.
Supporting local businesses
Free customer parking remains a key part of the plan, helping local businesses, from restaurants and cafés to family attractions, continue to thrive.
Whether you’re popping in for a quick bite at Wendy’s, grabbing something from Greggs, or spending the evening at the leisure park, the aim is to make parking simple and stress-free.
A clearer, simpler experience
Using the MiPermit cashless system and venue validation will remove the need for paper tickets and make it easier for people to manage their stay.
Bringing the car parks into the wider council system also means a more consistent experience across Colchester, with clearer rules and signage for everyone.
Cllr Martin Goss, Portfolio Holder for Waste, Neighbourhoods and Leisure said: “We know how important it is for people to be able to park easily when visiting Colchester Leisure Park. These new arrangements keep free parking for customers, while helping make sure spaces are available for everyone who needs them.”