Three prominent organisations in Derby’s tourism industry have written in support of plans for a new coach park in Derby city centre.
Phoenix Properties has applied to Derby City Council to create the site on land currently used as a car park between Stuart Street and Phoenix Street. Its planning application, prepared by the council’s tourism team, said the lack of city centre coach parking was ‘seriously compromising any opportunity to attract group travel operators.’
It said: “The only official coach parking that can be promoted is based out at Derby Cattle Market but this is not always available as markets and car boot sales often take over the site.”
Phoenix Properties wants to turn part of the site into a coach park for a maximum of 12 coaches for three years while the long-term future of the site becomes clear.
Stephen Munn, Director of dance organisation Deda, one of the organisations behind Derby Festé street festival, agreed. He said: “The city centre suffers due to a lack of appropriate city centre parking. Having a central coach park will create a convenient and appealing option for a day visit or overnight.”
Carrie-Louise Holleran, General Manager at Holiday Inn, Morledge, said the hotel chain would welcome the business from coach parties: “Derby city centre is the perfect destination for both overnight and weekend-long coach operators, being a central destination for day trips to all that Derby and Derbyshire has to offer.”
Sue Jacklin, business development manager at Derby Museums Trust, added: “Attracting group business is a key part of our commercial income generation strategy.”
