East Herts Council’s sprucing up of much-criticised Northgate End multi-storey car park will take ‘several months’

Work to improve a controversial car park in Bishop’s Stortford whose appearance has been likened to a “prison block” and to make it more palatable for drivers to use will go on for several months.

The East Herts Council-owned multi-storey at Northgate End has been criticised by motorists, with some saying they feel unsafe and others being unhappy with its design.

Managers of the town’s BID (Business Improvement District) are keen to encourage more people to use the car park, with a focus on town centre workers parking there long-stay, and are keen to see it spruced up to make it more attractive.

EHC, which has frozen parking fees at the five-storey, 563-space car park until April 2026 after reducing them a year ago, has begun work to brighten up the lobby and stairways, and an office has been installed.

A spokesperson for the council told the Indie: “The work to improve the car park will continue for several months as the walls need multiple coats to achieve the desired finish.

“We also need warmer weather before we can begin work on the upper floors. Once we’re further along, we’ll be in a better position to share a more accurate completion date.”

The spokesperson added: “We are also installing artwork in the lift lobby and main areas, which we hope to complete by the end of March.

“The office space will be used by East Herts employees and contractors to manage the car park and support the Welcome Rangers’ work.”

Furthermore, automatic entrance doors to improve access are to be installed.

The Welcome Rangers, wearing BID-branded orange gilets with the message ‘Here to Help’, are on site Mondays to Saturdays, from 4.00-4.30pm to 8.00-8.30pm, when many town centre workers start or finish their shifts. The rangers’ role is to enhance safety and assist users.

Of the car park’s 573 bays, 54 are electric vehicle (EV) charging bays and 31 are for disabled drivers, including three EV charging bays. It is open 7am to 11pm each day and its chargeable hours are 7.30am to 8pm.

Its tariffs are: 1 hour - £1, 2hrs - £2, 3hrs - £2.60, 4hrs - £3.20, 5hrs - £3.70, all day - £4.20, Sundays and bank holidays £1.60.