Port Arcades Car Park
π Type: Multi-level shopping center parking | π Open: 7amβ10pm | π Rating: 4.0/5 (180+ reviews)
π Overview
A busy, centrally located car park serving the Port Arcades Shopping Centre and Ellesmere Portβs 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 β»οΈ.
Did you know? The car park sits on the site of a former Victorian dockyard β salvaged timber from old ships was used in its original construction! π’
π Key Features
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Security: 24/7 CCTV + regular patrols by shopping center staff.
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Accessibility: 20+ disabled bays (βΏ) + lifts to shopping center entrance.
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EV Charging: 6x fast chargers (Type 2, 22kW) β Β£0.40/kWh.
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Family-Friendly: Parent-child spaces + free trolley bays.
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Cycle Hub: Secure bike racks + repair tools (π§).
π Convenience & Accessibility
- Payment: RingGo app, contactless, or coins (β οΈ no card payments at machines).
- Free Parking: 1 hour free with validation (scan receipt at kiosk).
- Walkability: Direct access toΒ Port Arcades Shopping CentreΒ | 5-min walk to bus station.
- Height Limit: 2.0m (upper level restricted for vans).
π Nearby Attractions & Amenities (10 max, <15-min walk/drive):
- ποΈ Port Arcades Shopping CentreΒ β On-site (Primark, Boots, and Costa Coffee).
- π National Waterways MuseumΒ β 10-min walk (canal boats + interactive exhibits).
- π Blue Planet AquariumΒ β 5-min drive (shark tunnels and tropical fish).
- π³ Whitby ParkΒ β 8-min drive (playgrounds, lakes, and mini railway).
- π’ Ellesmere Port Boat MuseumΒ β 12-min walk (historic narrowboats + workshops).
- π΄ Cheshire Oaks Designer OutletΒ β 10-min drive (luxury brands and eateries).
- π The Civic HallΒ β 4-min walk (live theatre and community events).
- π Vauxhall Sports ClubΒ β 7-min drive (rugby, cricket, and social events).
- π Asda Ellesmere PortΒ β 3-min drive (24-hour supermarket + petrol station).
- π Hooton StationΒ β 15-min drive (heritage railway to Liverpool).
π· Pricing
- First Hour: Free (with shop validation).
- Short-Stay: Β£1.50/hr after 1 hour | Β£8/day max.
- EV Charging: Β£0.40/kWh + standard parking rates.
- Evening Rate: Β£3 (after 6pm).
β Reviews Sentiment
- 4.0/5Β ππππ
- Praise:Β βSuper convenient for shopping sprees!βΒ |Β βClean and well-lit at night.β
- Criticism:Β βSpaces fill up by midday on Saturdays.βΒ |Β βConfusing validation process.β
π Pro Tips for Visitors
- πΒ Peak Times: Arrive before 10am for weekend shopping trips.
- π§ΎΒ Validation Hack: Spend Β£5+ at any Port Arcades store to unlock free parking.
- πΒ Alternative Parking: UseΒ Ellesmere Port Market Car ParkΒ (cheaper, 8-min walk) if full.
- π«Β Avoid Fines: Overstays trigger Β£60 penalties β set phone reminders!