8:30pm Wednesday 12th November 2008
By South Wales Argus Newsdesk
THEATRE goers are applauding city bosses after they decided to open up a car park for them.
People visiting the Dolman Theatre in Newport have sometimes found it difficult to park nearby because of the on-going regeneration work.
But Newport council is now opening the Granville Street car park, just a short distance away and with more than 350 spaces, at times to coincide with evening performances at the theatre.
Newport Playgoers Society, who run the Dolman, are delighted with the move.
Spokesman Phil Mansell said in recent months audiences had struggled to park near the theatre.
He added their stage director Adrian Gillard approached cabinet member David Atwell and the result was that staffed, well-lit car park in Granville Street will open until 11.30pm.
“It’s ideal because the entrance to the car park is opposite Castle Bingo and there is a pedestrian exit onto Caroline Street, only a minute’s walk away from the Dolman."
The car park is open this week for NPS's latest production, Agatha Christie's The Hollow. Usual charges apply.
Cllr Attwell, who has responsibility for highways and transport, said they were aware that people attending shows at the theatre were experiencing some difficulty in finding suitable car parking.
"I am delighted to announce this extra evening parking for the city centre, which will particularly help those people attending the many performances at the Dolman Theatre but also be useful for people visiting the Newport Centre."
Cambrian is currently the biggest with 503 spaces and is open from 7am to 1.30am with a reduced rate after 6.30pm making it a good choice for evening shows at the Riverfront and late night Christmas shopping.
A new Kingsway car park is under construction and is due to open next year providing spaces for more than 1,000 vehicles.
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