Exeter City Council is set to generate hundreds of thousands of pounds annually from the Market Street multi-storey car park after bringing its operation back in-house. The car park, previously run by National Car Parks (NCP), fell into administration in March due to a downturn in trade since the Covid pandemic. The council's executive voted unanimously to operate the site as a pay-and-display facility.
Financial Details and Council Decision
Corporate resources director Dave Hodgson confirmed that estimated annual income from the car park under council management would be approximately £425,000, though certain costs would need to be deducted from that figure. Previously, NCP had been paying in excess of £50,000 a year in rent for the building. Cllr Michael Mitchell (Lib Dem, Duryard and St James) questioned whether the new arrangement would prove financially viable, but the projected income suggests a significant net gain for the council.
Cllr Susannah Patrick (Lab, Exwick) said: "It is regrettable that the lease was abandoned, but I am delighted to see us moving quickly and decisively on this." Cllr Duncan Wood (Lab, Pinhoe) added: "This is a key location, and it has always seemed a little bit odd that we run every car park in the city apart from this one."
Background and Location
Exeter City Council owns the car park, which sits close to the Corn Exchange and the Cathedral. The site had been operated by NCP until the company went into administration in March 2026, citing a downturn in trade since the Covid pandemic. The council's decision to bring the car park in-house aims to secure ongoing revenue and maintain control over a key city centre asset.
Cathedral and Quay Car Park Changes
Members were equally united in backing a proposal to convert the vandalism-affected Cathedral and Quay car park from a pay-and-display facility to a pay-on-foot model, whereby drivers settle their fees upon departure, based on the duration of their visit. The future of the car park is set to be debated by the council in July, with a report highlighting that it has been a hotspot for anti-social behaviour for several years and requires a number of repairs. Public consultations will take place prior to any changes being implemented.
