A SHOPPING centre car park could become free to “ignite regeneration” in Witham.

Braintree Council is working with NewRiver Retail to make multi-million pound changes to the Newland Centre, including more shops, restaurants and potentially a new GP centre.

One of the changes proposed is to make the car park behind the shop- ping centre free.

Stuart Mitchell, director at NewRiver Retail for the south of England, said: “In essence we are including some major upgrades in Witham.

“We plan to regenerate shopping in the town centre, one of the changes is to deliver free parking in the town.

“The car park behind the centre is paid for and it’s part of our vision to see that as a free car park for shoppers.

“At present they have to park in Tesco to get free parking, we think by making it free it will ignite regeneration, which is the single most important thing.”

A stay between one and three hours currently costs £1.80.

Chris Bailey, who is on the parking strategy team at Witham Town Council, said the charges deterred visitors.

He said: “When you arrive at the Newland Drive car park you are met with parking charges and bins, it’s not exactly welcoming or encouraging.

“It takes the right attitude for shoppers to have a couple of hours access without paying.

“If you want to make them pay they can take their cars and money elsewhere.”

David Stead, who owns DS Fitness gym next to the Newland Centre, said free parking would attract more people.

He said: “It’s a very good initiative and it will be a very positive thing for businesses in the shopping centre.

“There are now many town centres where you can’t park along the roads for free any more, but free parking would certainly attract more people on top of the 200 we have had taking part in free classes.”

Braintree Council leader Graham Butland said the authority would sup- port a major “facelift” at Newland.

He said: “They will be significant improvements, not just a bit of tart- ing up with flower beds. It’s early stages of discussion but if a surgery is wanted we would consider that.”

Braintree and Witham Times:

Patrick Horner, newly-appointed town mayor, said a surgery would be welcome there.

He said: “It needs care and attention and making it more person friendly, it’s a bit like the Spa Road shops which are a bit bleak.

“A new multifunctional medical centre may well happen and I see it working. Up until now the GPs in Witham have not worked together but I think they may be coming round to the idea.

“I would be extremely keen to see that happen, as well as introducing big attractions to bring shoppers in.”