05/09/2026
Like many residents, we want South Hill Park to have a secure future. It’s one of Bracknell’s most important cultural and community assets and nobody wants to see it put at risk.
However, the introduction of parking charges does raise some legitimate questions which need answering. SHP already receives significant public support, including funding from both Bracknell Forest Council and Bracknell Town Council, so residents are entitled to understand the financial case for adding another charge to use the facilities.
There are wider consequences too and and questions like will people simply park in the surrounding residential streets or nearby shopping areas? Will the extra cost put some people off attending performances, classes or just visiting for a coffee or meal? Also, if it does, how much of the anticipated parking income could simply be lost elsewhere through reduced spending at South Hill Park?
We really don’t think this should be reduced to a choice between “pay for parking or lose SHP.” The real question is whether parking charges will genuinely improve the long-term financial position of the Arts Centre, while maintaining the accessibility and community benefit that public funding is there to support.
The current landlords (BFC and BTC) will surely be considering the matter and until that has happened and they’ve had the opportunity to consider all the relevant information, we’ll keep an open mind.
However, residents are asking perfectly reasonable questions already and they deserve proper answers before the scheme goes ahead, albeit a date has already been announced for go live which suggests that these decisions have already been taken without any public consultation.