Town and district council planning car boot sale for Bishop's Stortford

sinead.corr@iliffemedia.co.uk

Published: 15:58, 01 July 2022

| Updated: 15:58, 01 July 2022

A car boot sale is being planned for the Causeway car park in Bishop’s Stortford.

The site closed to motorists from Monday, June 13 – when the new multi-storey car park at Northgate End became operational.

The land will ultimately form part of East Herts Council’s Old River Lane development to create a cultural quarter for the town, including a new arts centre.

Cllr Linda Haysey at the Causeway car park before it closed

But until planning permission is granted and construction by Cityheart begins, the unused town centre spaces in the Causeway and at Charringtons are controversial.

East Herts leader Cllr Linda Haysey said: “The council has worked over many months to develop plans for Causeway and Charringtons in Bishop’s Stortford, to see them used for public events when the car parks closed to motorists in June.

“We approached several operators, including street kitchens, event specialists and the Bishop’s Stortford Improvement District (BID) and had many positive discussions.

East Hertfordshire Council have recently opened their new car park at Northgate End in Bishops Stortford. Client: East Hertfordshire Council. Main Contractor: Real Group. Funding: LEP. (57701225)

“Although finding a long-term operator for the site hasn’t been possible, these discussions will continue to explore all options for short-term use. This includes working with the Bishop’s Stortford Town Council to host a regular car boot sale.

“It remains our ambition to see the car parks benefit the town ahead of redevelopment, and we are inviting organisations interested in the space for performance, markets and other activities, to get in touch.

“Hoardings to secure the site will be put in place in the coming weeks, giving passers-by a glimpse of the exciting things to come at Old River Lane – including a new hub for arts, shopping and leisure.”

The car parks cannot be used as part of planning conditions imposed for the 573-space multi-storey.

Artist's impression of the arts centre at the heart of the Old River Lane scheme (57701447)

It also has 54 electrical vehicle charging points and 31 disabled bays and is open from 7am until 11pm.

Charging hours are from 7.30am to 8pm and the all-day tariff is £4.80, Monday to Saturday and £1 on Sundays.

Users can pay online with the PayByPhone app or cash and card payments are accepted at machines on the ground floor.

For further information for businesses and organisations interested in using the Causeway space, see www.eastherts.gov.uk/causeway-charringtons-info

Bishops Stortford Old River Lane Planning - Latest Sinead Corr