🚗 Cranfield Sports Hall Car Park – The Complete Wharley End Leisure Parking Guide
Cranfield Sports Hall – free 24/7 parking, steps from courts & gym, ideal for university & community.
🚗 Type: Public Free Car Park (Bedford Borough Council / Cranfield University)
🕒 Open: 24/7 (no charges or time limits; recommended max stay 4 h for non-students)
🌟 Rating: 4.3/5 (Google Reviews)
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~80 bays |
| Disabled Bays | 4 marked bays (nearest entrance; free with Blue Badge) |
| Parent & Child Bays | 2 extra-wide bays by main drop-off canopy |
| Surface | Level tarmac with clear bay lining (repainted 2022) |
| Lighting | LED mast lighting (dusk–dawn) |
| Drainage | Channel drains; cleared bi-annually |
| Security | CCTV covering entire car park |
| Signage | University “P” signs & 4-hour recommended stay notices |
♿ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue Badge Bays: Four bays adjacent to Sports Hall entrance—no time limit
Drop-Off Zone: Covered pull-in under canopy for easy set-down
Kerb Ramps: Gentle tactile ramps to main access doors
Pathways: Smooth, wide footpaths to Sports Hall lobby and adjoining gym
🚶 Walkability & On-Site Amenities
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Cranfield Sports Hall Lobby | On-site | Courts, gym, studios & changing rooms |
| Lanchester Café | 1 min | Hot/cold drinks & light bites |
| University Library | 3 min | Study spaces & Wi-Fi |
| Shuttle Bus Stop | 2 min | Links to Bedford town centre |
🅿️ Alternative Parking Options
| Site | Distance | Cost | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bedford Hospital Staff CP | 10 min | Permit | Covered bays & EV charging |
| On-Street Pay & Display (Wharley End) | Adjacent | Free (2 h) | Short-stay flexibility via app |
| Shuttle Bus Park & Ride (MK43) | 5 min dr | £1/day | Direct shuttle to campus & town |
⚠️ Important Notices & Policies
Recommended Max Stay: 4 h for visitors—students may register for longer-term permits
Enforcement: CCTV and university security patrols; overstay warnings issued
Maintenance: Quarterly surface and drainage inspections (next due Jul 2025)
📌 Visitor & Athlete Tips
Peak Times: Sports hall classes (17:00–20:00) fill bays—arrive 15 min early.
Blue Badge Holders: Use designated bays; register badge at reception for confirmation.
Evening Workouts: Park freely overnight—no charges or restrictions.
Weather Alert: Northern bays can pond after rain—opt for bays near main entrance.
🔮 Future Developments & Planning
2025 Q3: Feasibility study for 4 × 7 kW EV charging bays funded by university grant
2025 Q4: Upgrade to digital “P” signage with real-time bay occupancy display
2026: Proposal for +30 bays on adjacent field (ref: BBC/PLN/2024/1248)
Accessibility Audit: PAS 1899 compliance review scheduled for Dec 2025
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