Town Centre Car Parks take control of Merrion
The management of the Merrion Centre Car Park in Leeds was taken over by Town Centre Car Parks Ltd from Q-Park today (July 1).Town Centre Car Parks (TCCP) is a division of Town Centre Securities, the Leeds-based property investment and development company and the owners of the Merrion Centre.
This move will enable the company to refurbish and modernise the car park and make its pricing structure more flexible to reflect the needs of shoppers, tenants and other commercial users at the Merrion Centre.
Ben Ziff, the managing director of TCCP, explained: “This decision allows us to create a quality, good-value car park for the 21st century and to reflect the wishes and needs of everyone connected with the Merrion Centre. It will also be very convenient for motorists using the nearby Leeds Arena, when the new Arena is completed."
The 1,100-space car park will remain open throughout the refurbishment.
Meanwhile Q-Park has underlined its commitment to Leeds by signing a new 10-year lease on its existing offices at 72 Merrion Street, owned by Town Centre Securities.
Ben Ziff explained: “This car park is a crucial part of the Merrion Centre which, in turn, is one of the key mixed-use office and retail developments in the heart of Leeds. The car park anchors the centre and, under our hands-on management, it will play a crucial part in the future success of the centre"
He said: “This move also means that we are firmly back in the car park business. We have owned and managed car parks across England and Scotland for the past 40 years. Our skills and our experience mean we are able to deliver and manage first-class car parks which provide value and comfort for everyone.
“Our car parks feature state-of-the-art facilities, creating a well-run, user-friendly, safe and convenient environment which make car parking a comfortable experience. Our own experience has given us a sharp insight into customer needs and we pride ourselves on matching – and exceeding – expectations." he added.
TCCP’s portfolio includes car parks at Clarence Dock in Leeds and Piccadilly Basin in Manchester. These car parks include fully-manned, 24/7 opening hours; extensive CCTV coverage, including offsite monitoring; clean, bright and modern facilities; Parkmark awards for safe, crime-free car parks: and friendly, reliable service.
Ben Ziff explained: “We are now back on the acquisition trail, looking for existing car parks on a freehold or long leasehold basis and new car parks, which we can design, build and operate in major cities across the UK."
Adam Bidder, managing director of Q-Park, commented: “Once again we have been pleased to work with Town Centre Securities and we understand the importance to TCS of being able to directly manage one of the main anchors of the Merrion Centre. We are delighted to have committed to the Merrion Centre in excellent office accommodation in the centre of Leeds for the next 10 years, and in continuing our close relationship with TCS"