Monk’s Park Car Park – pay & display near Southmead Hospital (currently closed)
🚗 Type: Public Pay & Display Car Park (NHS/Bristol City Council joint management)
🕒 Open:
Currently closed for redevelopment (from 8 Jan 2024 for Elective Centre construction)
Reopening TBA 2025 (subject to construction schedule)
🌟 Rating: No public review aggregate available
💰 Pricing & Permits (Pre-Closure)
Enforcement: 24 hours daily, year-round
Tariffs:
Up to 1 h: ~£1.00
Up to 2 h: ~2.20 £
Up to 4 h: ~4.00 £
All-day: ~£8.00
Payment: Pay & display machines (coins, contactless) and pay-by-app (RingGo)
Permits: NHS staff and resident permits available via Bristol City Council scheme
Season Tickets: Weekly/monthly NHS staff passes
📊 Capacity & Physical Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Spaces | ~250 bays |
| Disabled Bays | 10 marked bays, free for blue-badge holders |
| Parent & Child Bays | 4 wider bays near main entrance |
| Motorcycle Bays | 6 covered bays |
| Surface | Level tarmac with anti-skid surfacing (2022 overlay) |
| Lighting | 12 LED floodlights, full-site coverage |
| Drainage | Central channel drains with quarterly jet-wash clearance |
| Height Limit | None (suitable for minibuses) |
| Security | 8 CCTV cameras 24/7; regular NHS security patrols |
| Signage | Digital occupancy boards at entrance |
♿ Accessibility & Adapted Facilities
Blue-Badge Bays: Ten bays closest to pick-up/drop-off—free with badge displayed
Drop-Off Zone: Covered pull-in lane at main entrance
Kerb Ramps: Multiple tactile ramps to footpaths
Pathways: 2 m-wide slip-resistant walkways with handrails
Assisted Access: Courtesy shuttle for mobility-impaired users (pre-book via SMH reception)
🔌 EV Infrastructure & Future Proposals
On-Site Charging: None currently (pre-closure)
Planned (Q3 2025):
8×7 kW Pod Point units in southeast corner
Dedicated EV bays with smart app reservations
Nearest Live Chargers:
Brunel MSCP (50 kW rapid) – 0.6 mi walk
Whitchurch Road Car Park (6×7 kW) – 0.8 mi walk
📅 Live Demand Patterns (Pre-Closure)
| Period | Occupancy | User Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Weekdays 07:00–09:00 | 90 % | Staff & patient drop-off |
| Weekdays 12:00–14:00 | 65 % | Visitors & outpatients |
| Weekdays 17:00–19:00 | 80 % | Evening appointments |
| Saturdays 09:00–13:00 | 70 % | Hospital access & locals |
| Sundays & Bank Holidays | 40 % | Weekend visitors |
Pro Tip: Once reopened, pre-book NHS staff permits to guarantee a bay during peak hours.
🚶 Walkability & Transport Links
| Destination | Walk Time | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Southmead Hospital Main Entrance | 1 min | Direct access to outpatient units |
| Filton Avenue Bus Stop (routes 1, 2) | Adjacent | Frequent links to city centre |
| Southmead Hospital Pharmacy | 2 min | On-site prescriptions |
| Southmead Community Hospital | 5 min | Emergency department drop-off |
Park & Ride: Combined with the no. 3 bus from Henbury Road—free for hospital staff.
🛒 Nearby Amenities & Services
Essentials
Public Toilets: Hospital foyer (free)
ATM: NatWest (0.3 mi on Filton Ave)
Pharmacy: Boots (on-site)
Food & Drink
Café Northbrume (on-site): Sit-in & grab-and-go options
Reform Kitchen (5 min): Artisan bakery & deli
Hospital Restaurant (staff-only peak discounts)
Retail & Leisure
Southmead Active (0.4 mi): Gym, pool & classes
Brentry Post Office (0.5 mi): Mail & banking services
🅿️ Alternative Parking Comparison
| Site | Distance | Cost | Max Stay | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brunel MSCP | 0.6 mi | £1.50/hr, £6.00/day | 24 h | Covered, rapid EV chargers |
| Whitchurch Road Car Park | 0.8 mi | Free after 18:00 | 24 h | Cheaper evenings & Sundays |
| Tyndalls Way Short-Stay (NHS overflow) | 0.4 mi | £0.50/hr | 4 h | Cash only, closeness to emergency dept |
⚠️ Important Notices & Byelaws
Closure Notice: Closed from 8 Jan 2024 for new Elective Centre
Reopening: Subject to completion of works (expected late 2025)
Enforcement (Pre-Closure): Civil enforcement 24/7; PCN £70 (reduced to £35 within 14 days)
Maintenance: Monthly lighting/drain checks; quarterly resurfacing
📌 Expert Tips
During Closure: Use Brunel MSCP or Whitchurch Road for hospital visits.
Staff Planning: Secure a season permit early to avoid peak-time shortages post-reopening.
Patient Drop-Off: Use covered pull-in at main entrance for quick access.
Weather Alert: Lower rows flood in heavy rain—choose higher-ground bays near entrance.
🔮 Future Developments & Planning
Q3 2025: EV charger installation and digital wayfinding signage
Q4 2025: Reopening with expanded capacity (+50 bays)
2026: Full PAS 1899 accessibility audit and improvements
Planning Ref: BCC/PLN/2024/317 for Elective Centre car park scheme