Parking cut to $5 on weekends and weekday evenings in Melbourne’s CBD

Motorists will be offered a supercheap $5 deal to park at more than 30 locations across the Melbourne’s CBD - here’s how to claim it.

Parking will be cut to just $5 on weekends and weekday evenings in Melbourne’s CBD in a bid to lure back visitors.

The supercheap deal — beginning on Monday — will be available at more than 30 private carparks citywide.

Motorists will have to book spaces in advance to take up the offer.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said it was hoped the offer would encourage more people back into the city, which has been hit hard during the pandemic as people work from home.

“Every extra person that comes into the city provides an opportunity for local traders who have just been through the toughest trading period in decades,” Ms Capp said.

“We want to bring back the buzz to Melbourne because a vibrant and busy city means more customers for businesses and more Melburnians in jobs.

“With so much happening, it’s a perfect time to come in and enjoy everything our city has to offer.”

The $5 deal will be available at 33 Wilson and Secure Parking car parks until August 22.

The discounted rate applies all-day on weekends and after 4pm on weekdays.

Bookings must be made on the carpark operator’s website or app.

It’s hoped discount parking will entise more people into the city. Picture: Jake Nowakowski

City councillor Roshena Campbell, the city activation portfolio lead, said the parking discount would provide a much-needed boost for city businesses struggling after four lockdowns.

“We know some visitors, especially now, prefer to drive into the city,’’ Ms Campbell said.

“Creating transport options that are easy and affordable provides much needed support to our retailers and restaurants.

“We know we can’t do this alone, so it’s great to see parking operators coming to the party by providing some much needed discounts.”

Introduction of the bargain rates comes amid the school holidays with hopes attractions like the pop-up Winter Village at Federation Square, Truffle Festival and Imaginaria light and sound spectacle at Docklands will benefit.

Before the pandemic there were about a million people in Melbourne’s CBD each day but the figure has plummted as much as 90 per cent — Ms Capp in August last year declaring the city at its emptiest in “living memory”.

A program with the state government giving city diners who spend between $50 and $500 in the municipality 20 per cent back on their bill is among other measures to help the ailing city centre.

Half of the $8.4m allocated for the program has so far been exhausted.