Cottis Yard car park transfer
Epping Forest District Council is taking over the operation of the Cottis Yard multi-storey car park from Monday 31 March 2025.
Pay & display
The main change for users is that the car park will be pay & display, to coincide with all other council-run car parks.
Customers must ensure they pay for parking before leaving their vehicle in the car park.
As part of the transfer, Epping Forest District Council (EFDC) is installing more payment machines to reduce queuing time for customers. There will be a contactless and card machine on every floor and one machine on the ground floor that accepts cash. Users can still use the MiPermit virtual parking app to make quick and easy payments.
The parking tariffs and 24/7 access to the car park will stay the same. Charging hours will remain from 7am to midnight, 7 days a week. Season ticket prices will be aligned with other EFDC car parks.
Blue Badge and motorcycle changes
Parking will remain free for Blue Badge holders. Users will need to display a valid Blue Badge in their vehicle at all times, while parked in the car park. There will no longer be the need to register their badge at a pay & display machine.
Motorcycles will now be able to park for free.
CCTV upgrade
The CCTV system at Cottis Yard will be upgraded with new high definition (HD) cameras and recorders.
These units will be placed around the car park to ensure all lift lobbies, entrances and exits, and the main driveways continue to be extensively covered.
Safe and accessible
Cottis Yard was always envisaged as part of a wider plan. As the construction of Epping Leisure Centre continues at pace, it will not be long before users of the new centre will be parking their cars in Cottis Yard.
As EFDC takes over the management of the multi-storey car park, we will ensure it continues to be a safe, accessible, and well-maintained space for all residents and visitors.
Exciting plans are also in place to enhance the space outside the pedestrian entrance. Panels showcasing the story of Cottis Yard starting with Cottis and Sons back in 1858 will be displayed, and painted markings for floor games such as hopscotch and snakes and ladders will be added.
Cllr Ken Williamson, Portfolio Holder for Shaping Our District
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