BATHURST is in desperate need of more parking and one company has put itself forward to provide a solution.
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Councillor Ian North said that a company, which has not been named, reached out to him after taking interest in the ongoing issue of parking in Bathurst's central business district.
He said that the solution would potentially be to build a multi-storey car park on the fringe of the CBD, an idea that has been raised many times before.
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"I've always said at Carrington Park, at the back of it near Bentinck Street," Cr North said.
Putting a multi-story car park there would not only provide additional parking for those who work in the CBD, but also serve a purpose at major events, like the annual National Rugby League (NRL) game, that are held at Carrington Park.
Cr North has spoken to many community members about parking, with the response generally being that there simply isn't enough all-day options available around the CBD.
READ MORE: Calls for more all-day parking in the city
Women have also reported feeling nervous about walking to their cars at the end of the day.
"They're finding that they are having to park further and further away from town, especially in winter when it's cold and gets dark earlier," he said.
The company looking to help Bathurst improve parking is interested in coming to Bathurst soon to meet with council staff.
"It's only early stages, but the fact they have contacted me gives me hope," Cr North said.
When asked how the additional car park would operate, Cr North said it would likely have a mix of free and paid parking, with the potential for leasing arrangements.
Many shopping centres in metropolitan areas offer free parking for the first three or four hours, an arrangement Cr North thought could work in Bathurst.
He said that council has been talking for years about the need for more parking and this was an opportunity for council to partner with someone to create a solution.
"It doesn't always have to be us. We can partner with groups to get things done," he said.
"I think [more parking] is needed. Bathurst is growing and we are a big regional city; we need to have better parking.
"I hear councillors bring up things all the time. To me, moving around town, parking, getting to businesses ... it has to be a priority of this council moving forward."
He also encouraged residents to give feedback to council about parking, as "people power" often led to changes.