Paid parking for Castle Towers on the way with new numberplate recognition scheme

Castle Towers has announced a new “managed parking” scheme, which relies on numberplate recognition, would be in place next year.

Castle Towers is getting a ticketless parking system which will start next year.

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Castle Towers has announced a new “managed parking” scheme, which relies on numberplate recognition, would be in place next year.

Castle Towers centre manager Martin Ollis said work would begin “in the coming months” but said no date had been set for activation.

When activated, parking will be free for the first three hours and free for customers entering Castle Towers after 6pm. Cinema patrons will also be able to access an additional hour of free parking after validation.

Parking fees will start at $5 with timed rates up to maximum daily rate of $40.

Mr Ollis said the ticketless system was one of the most “advanced parking systems in Australia”

The ticketless parking system. is an upgraded version of this.one

“(It) will provide a smarter, more streamlined method of parking and provide our customers with the best opportunity to quickly and easily find a parking space.”

He said the aim was to ensure easy access for customers to the centre during its proposed redevelopment.

“Using licence plate recognition to track parking without the need for a paper ticket means vehicles will not be required to stop on entry to wait for a ticket to be issued, ensuring entry and exit from the carpark will be quick and easy,” he said.

“Our key priority is to connect our customers with our retailers and provide a stress-free, enjoyable experience at Castle Towers.”

He said based on data less than 10 per cent of customers would pay for parking.

The new development application for Castle Towers includes provision of 7959 car park spaces, 159 motorcycle spaces and 60 bicycle spaces.

The Joint Regional Planning Panel is due to meet next Tuesday to have the final say on the revised development application.

While the final stamp of approval for the centre’s $900 million redevelopment plans is still a week away, preliminary works are already going ahead.

Hills Shire councillors approved the expansion of the rooftop plant rooms, the installation of two new substations and a switchroom to the yellow carpark plus the construction of a temporary fire tank and pump room at last week’s council meeting.

Councillor Alan Haseldon said people couldn’t wait for the redevelopment: “The sneak previews ... are breathtaking.”