Refurbished Council car park still underused by weekend shoppers despite Cairns CBD parking frustrations
The centrally located, undercover Lake Street car park, which was upgraded at a cost of almost $6-million a year ago, is not being properly taken advantage off by motorists frustrated over a lack of parking in the CBD.
That’s according to the Cairns Regional Council, which invested in the refurbishment to overcome the facility’s white elephant status.
Mayor Bob Manning told Tropic Now the car park is mainly being used by city workers during the week, who take advantage of monthly permits.
“This takes more than 200 cars off the street, freeing up those spaces for visitors to the CBD," he said.
“The remaining spaces are available for casual parking and are generally well-used on weekdays, but the number of vehicles does drop on weekends.
“A lot of people seem to forget it’s there when they’re looking for a park."
The upgrade was completed 12 months ago and the car park now has 301 spaces as well as toilet facilities, CCTV, improved lighting and dedicated 'Help Points'.
“It was made safer and more convenient for users, and the façade now contributes to the tropical streetscape of Lake Street," Councillor Manning said.
"It’s undercover, secure and centrally located – there are plenty of reasons to lock it into your memory."
Business owners have expressed their concerns that a lack of parking and the introduction of more ticketed parking, is preventing people from shopping at the city’s locally-owned, boutique stores.
The Council said the 24-hour Lake Street car park can be accessed for $1.40 an hour, which is the same as on-street parking.
The spaces are capped at $10 a day.
