Port Arcades Car Park
๐ Type: Multi-level shopping center parking | ๐ Open: 7amโ10pm | ๐ Rating: 4.0/5 (180+ reviews)
๐ Overview
A busy, centrally located car park serving the Port Arcades Shopping Centre and Ellesmere Portโs town center. Built in the 1990s and refurbished in 2021, it offers 300+ spaces across two levels, featuring bright LED lighting, real-time space counters, and easy access to high-street shops. Popular with shoppers, commuters, and families visiting nearby attractions like the Blue Planet Aquarium. Sustainability highlights include solar-powered pay stations and recycling bins โป๏ธ.
Did you know? The car park sits on the site of a former Victorian dockyard โ salvaged timber from old ships was used in its original construction! ๐ข
๐ Key Features
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Security: 24/7 CCTV + regular patrols by shopping center staff.
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Accessibility: 20+ disabled bays (โฟ) + lifts to shopping center entrance.
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EV Charging: 6x fast chargers (Type 2, 22kW) โ ยฃ0.40/kWh.
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Family-Friendly: Parent-child spaces + free trolley bays.
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Cycle Hub: Secure bike racks + repair tools (๐ง).
๐ Convenience & Accessibility
- Payment: RingGo app, contactless, or coins (โ ๏ธ no card payments at machines).
- Free Parking: 1 hour free with validation (scan receipt at kiosk).
- Walkability: Direct access toย Port Arcades Shopping Centreย | 5-min walk to bus station.
- Height Limit: 2.0m (upper level restricted for vans).
๐ Nearby Attractions & Amenities (10 max, <15-min walk/drive):
- ๐๏ธ Port Arcades Shopping Centreย โ On-site (Primark, Boots, and Costa Coffee).
- ๐ National Waterways Museumย โ 10-min walk (canal boats + interactive exhibits).
- ๐ Blue Planet Aquariumย โ 5-min drive (shark tunnels and tropical fish).
- ๐ณ Whitby Parkย โ 8-min drive (playgrounds, lakes, and mini railway).
- ๐ข Ellesmere Port Boat Museumย โ 12-min walk (historic narrowboats + workshops).
- ๐ด Cheshire Oaks Designer Outletย โ 10-min drive (luxury brands and eateries).
- ๐ญ The Civic Hallย โ 4-min walk (live theatre and community events).
- ๐ Vauxhall Sports Clubย โ 7-min drive (rugby, cricket, and social events).
- ๐ Asda Ellesmere Portย โ 3-min drive (24-hour supermarket + petrol station).
- ๐ Hooton Stationย โ 15-min drive (heritage railway to Liverpool).
๐ท Pricing
- First Hour: Free (with shop validation).
- Short-Stay: ยฃ1.50/hr after 1 hour | ยฃ8/day max.
- EV Charging: ยฃ0.40/kWh + standard parking rates.
- Evening Rate: ยฃ3 (after 6pm).
โญ Reviews Sentiment
- 4.0/5ย ๐๐๐๐
- Praise:ย โSuper convenient for shopping sprees!โย |ย โClean and well-lit at night.โ
- Criticism:ย โSpaces fill up by midday on Saturdays.โย |ย โConfusing validation process.โ
๐ Pro Tips for Visitors
- ๐ย Peak Times: Arrive before 10am for weekend shopping trips.
- ๐งพย Validation Hack: Spend ยฃ5+ at any Port Arcades store to unlock free parking.
- ๐ย Alternative Parking: Useย Ellesmere Port Market Car Parkย (cheaper, 8-min walk) if full.
- ๐ซย Avoid Fines: Overstays trigger ยฃ60 penalties โ set phone reminders!