Carruth Street Carpark lease not renewed

Published on 03 July 2025

We have decided not to renew the lease for the Carruth Street Carpark when it expires on 31 August 2025.

We have leased the privately owned land since 2018, when the Town Basin Carpark, across Dent Street in front of Claphams National Clock Museum and the Town Basin Public Playground, was refurbished.

Council's General Manager – Transport & Community Infrastructure, Jim Sephton, said that arrangement was initially going to be for three years.

"At the time, the Hundertwasser Art Centre opening was imminent, and we had been informed that cruise ships would be starting summertime visits to Marsden Point. Both would generate much more foot and bus traffic to, and through, the Town Basin.

"To keep pedestrians and children safe as buses came and went, we altered the children's playground and the area around it and established more bus stops. To cater for increased visitors, we also installed a new toilet block.

"These changes reduced the number of ordinary carparks in the immediate area, so we leased the Carruth Street site and turned it into a parking lot with 73 spaces.

"The Carruth Street lease has rolled over a few times since then. Now, rising costs mean the combined income from it and the Town Basin's paid parking is no longer covering the cost of Carruth. It's a sensible business decision not to renew the lease this time.

"However, we are seeking additional car parking in the city centre. For several months, our transport staff have been combing the rest of the inner city for new parking spaces and have identified 53 so far. We intend to release more information about these in coming months.