GAWLER businesses have raised concerns about a lack of car parking in the town and its effect on their businesses ahead of a forum on the issue tonight.
Gawler Council will hold a public forum at the Gawler Civic Centre tonight, Wednesday, July 24, from 7pm to hear the thoughts of locals in regards to the effectiveness of car parking across Gawler, particularly around Murray Street.
Business owners will have the chance to voice any concerns about Gawler parking at the forum, with many concerned about a lack of parking having an effect on their business.
Pole 4 Fitness owner Leanne Stovell, whose business is located on Julian Terrace at the southern end of Murray Street, said her studio had been forced to cut its number of classes as customers lost
interest due to a lack of close parking.
“We usually operate from 3pm Monday to Thursday and we have two morning sessions – trying to get a park at any of those times is just ridiculous,” she said.
“Even the staff have to park all the way over by the cinema when they start a shift.
“We’ve had cancellations of members, quite a few actually, because they can’t get a park and they get frustrated before their class.
“The whole reason they’re coming to our class is to destress.”
A Murray Street business owner, who did not wish to be named, said the council had its “head in the sand” regarding parking issues, despite numerous businesses raising concerns with the council in recent times.
The council is currently guided by the Gawler Town Centre 2017-20 Car Parking Strategy, a report which found average car park occupancy levels around Gawler were around 50 per cent, but parking areas near Murray Street were often “near capacity”.
Gawler mayor Karen Redman said tonight’s car parking forum will be used to inform a future parking strategy post-2020.
“From time to time, council receives suggestions from local business owners on improvements that could be made to existing parking conditions,” she said.
“One such recent request related to the provision of timed parking within Julian Terrace and Murray Street South to encourage greater turnover, which was subsequently implemented by council following consultation with local business owners earlier this year.
“Council’s existing Town Centre Car Parking Strategy suggests the town centre has adequate capacity, however does identify areas that are considered to be at near capacity.
“This strategy is due to expire next year and is currently in the process of being reviewed.”
Ms Redman encouraged all business owners and locals with concerns related to parking to attend tonight’s forum.