A BRAND new multi-storey car park has now opened for Chester's New Market replacing the Chester Market car park under the Forum shopping centre.

The new Council owned site on Hunter Street will provide parking for 800 vehicles and will take over from the Forum car park which has now closed after first opening 55 years ago, in 1967.

The Council say that the Hunter Street car park will boast improved accessibility, lighting, safety features and extensive CCTV. It is also be naturally ventilated with open sides, preventing the need for an electronic system.

An energy saving LED lighting system with zoned timeclock and movement sensor controls and an energy efficient lift design, will also save on energy usage.

The site will also feature artwork by Chester artist Graham Boyd within its stairwells, with murals depicting 2000 years of the city's history.

Swift and bat nesting boxes will also be included with a view to helping support wildlife.

From late November, electric vehicle charging points and an indoor secure cycle hub for up to 50 cycles with e-bike charging are also expected to be available. The latter is expected to be accessed via an entry card for a £10 one-off membership fee.

Access to the new car park is from St. Martins Way at the junction with Hunter Street via a newly remodelled junction allowing for two-way traffic into and out of the car park.

The Council say the pay-on-foot tariff has been designed to reflect the enhanced standard of the new car park compared with its predecessor and will encourage shorter stays of under five hours to boost the frequency of visitors into the city centre.

Prices have been listed as:

• Up to 1 hour £3.50

• 1 – 2 Hours £5.00

• 2 – 4 Hours £6.50

• 4 – 5 Hours £9.50

• Over 5 Hours £13.50

• Evening rate from 6pm £4

Cheshire West and Chester Residents that hold a Blue Badge with a microchip can park in the new car park for up to four hours without charge.

The Hunter Street car park provides direct access into the new market hall as well as into Exchange Square and the Coachworks Arcade within the Northgate scheme.

Other active travel options will remain available to access Northgate including the free Shopper Hopper from the Bus Interchange at Gorse Stacks to Hunter Street - which links with all services including the Park & Ride network, plus there are over a hundred cycle parking spaces included in the scheme, fifty of which will be in the new indoor cycle hub once it opens later in November.