Lichfield Street carpark to remain Council property

The Lichfield Street Carpark will remain under Council ownership after a decision today.

Today, Christchurch City Councillors decided to keep the building but look at changes to the operating model to improve financial performance.

The carpark is currently profitable, generating an operating surplus of approximately $1.5 million per year.

However, as these are not the commercial returns expected, the Council asked the public for feedback on options for the carpark’s future, including selling, at the end of last year.

Seventy-four per cent of those who submitted preferred the Council retain the carpark and change the operating model, while 16 per cent preferred to sell it and use the funds elsewhere.

Staff will now investigate ways to improve the performance. This could include fee changes, dynamic pricing, reviewing the balance and location of long and short-term parking and changes to the operating model.