Marlands Multi-Storey Car Park is a council-run car park in Southampton city centre, popular for the Marlands Shopping Centre, the Cultural Quarter and the Civic Centre. This guide covers the latest parking charges, opening times, payment options and nearby attractions.
Marlands Car Park Southampton Parking Charges
This car park offers both short-stay and all-day parking, making it suitable for shoppers, theatre visitors and longer city-centre stays. The regular daytime and evening pricing tiers apply as follows:
| Parking Duration | Standard Fee |
|---|---|
| Up to 1 hour | £1.60 |
| Up to 2 hours | £2.90 |
| Up to 3 hours | £3.80 |
| Up to 4 hours | £4.70 |
| Up to 5 hours | £5.60 |
| Up to 10 hours | £7.00 |
| Over 10 hours (Daily Maximum) | £9.00 |
Extended cruise liner passenger rates are also available at this multi-storey facility. If you are leaving your vehicle for a cruise getaway, the extended rates are priced below:
| Cruise Parking Option | Rate Details |
|---|---|
| Charge for first 24 hours | £9.00 |
| Subsequent charge per day | £5.00 |
| Example charge for seven day stay | £39.00 |
Marlands Car Park Southampton Opening Times
The operating schedules and standard charging sessions for this location are detailed below:
- Opening Hours: Open daily from 05:30 am until midnight.
- Charging Hours: Standard tariffs apply from 08:00 am until midnight, Monday to Sunday.
Please note: The facility is locked strictly overnight, meaning vehicles cannot be retrieved or accessed between midnight and 05:30 am.
Where Is Marlands Multi-Storey Car Park?
The facility is located in the western area of the city centre, offering straightforward vehicle access from major incoming routes.
- Address & Entrance: Harbour Parade (adjacent to Asda), Southampton
- Sat-Nav Postcode: SO15 1BA
- Digital Coordinates: what3words: ///spring.sheets.mash
- Driving Approach: Follow the local road signage for City Zone West to be guided directly to the entry lines.
How to Pay for Parking at Marlands Car Park
Southampton City Council uses ticketless technology at this multi-storey facility to automate calculations upon exit.
- ANPR Barrier System: This site uses an Automatic Number Plate Recognition system. A camera captures your registration mark automatically at the entry gate, removing the need to pull or display a paper ticket.
- Payment Methods: Before returning to your vehicle, enter your registration mark into the physical on-site pay stations to pay with cash, debit card or credit card. Alternatively, drivers can pay through their phone by downloading the official JPass app or scanning the 3D QR codes on display within the structure. Card payments are also accepted at the exit barrier lanes.
Facilities and Space Information
The interior layout of this multi-storey structure contains dedicated areas for distinct parking demands:
- Number of spaces: 810 total parking bays arranged across 12 levels.
- Blue Badge bays: 6 wider, dedicated accessible spaces located near the lifts. Lifts serve all internal levels from floor 1 through to floor 12.
- EV charging: 6 fast Type 2 electric vehicle charging points are located on Level 3. Regular parking fees still apply while charging.
- Height restrictions: A physical entrance safety barrier limits access to vehicles below 1.95 metres (6 feet 6 inches).
Places Near Marlands Multi-Storey Car Park
Parking at this facility places you a short walk away from the primary business, dining and cultural spots in the western section of the city centre:
- The Marlands Shopping Centre: Accessible via a direct indoor link bridge, providing quick access to central high-street stores and cafes.
- Asda Supercentre: Positioned directly beside the building structure for immediate grocery and retail trips.
- O2 Guildhall & Civic Centre: A 3-minute stroll away, providing a highly reliable parking option for central council offices and evening concerts.
- Westquay Shopping Centre: Located just across the street, making this a cost-effective alternative to the busier private retail mall parking structures.
Alternative Parking Options Nearby
Because of its location beside popular shopping districts and music venues, the multi-storey can get busy on weekend afternoons or event nights. If you find the spaces are full, the best alternative options within a 5-minute radius include:
- West Park Road MSCP (SO15 1DQ): A council-managed multi-storey choice located slightly north, which operates under standard Group B fees.
- Civic Centre Car Park (SO15 1XG): A neighbouring surface lot option that is handy for quick central visits or library drop-offs.
- Westquay Retail Park Car Park (SO15 1RA): A large private surface-level lot managed by Britannia Parking, located right near the retail outlets on Harbour Parade.
Is Marlands Car Park the Best Option?
This car park is a highly practical choice for drivers seeking covered, secure city-centre parking close to the central business and dining districts.
- Convenience: It connects directly to major indoor malls and grocery storefronts, keeping you fully protected from wet weather conditions.
- Value: Falling into the council’s Group B pricing tier means it is cheaper for mid-length stays than the adjacent private retail car parks.
- Limitations: With an entry limit of 1.95 metres, large transit vans or commercial high-top utility vehicles will need to use nearby flat surface lots.
Marlands Car Park Southampton FAQs
Can motorcycles park for free in Southampton council car parks?
Yes. Motorcycles can park completely free of charge with no time limits, provided they are parked inside the designated, marked motorcycle bays. If you choose to park a motorcycle in a standard car bay, regular parking charges apply and you must pay via the app or machine.
Do Blue Badge holders have to pay for parking?
Yes, standard fees apply inside this multi-storey facility. Blue Badge holders can park for free with no time limits inside all open-air, surface-level council car parks across Southampton, but normal charging rules remain in place for multi-storey structures like Marlands.
What happens if I am locked in a car park overnight?
Your vehicle cannot be accessed or retrieved until the building reopens at 05:30 am the next morning. If you require an emergency release while the gates are locked between midnight and dawn, you must call the council’s out-of-hours helpline, which can result in a call-out fee.
Can I park a motorhome or a large van in these car parks?
Only if it fits within a single marked bay and does not exceed 5 metres in length or 3.5 tonnes in weight. For this specific car park, any large vehicle must also safely clear the physical entrance barrier height limit of 1.95 metres.
How do I appeal a parking fine (PCN) in Southampton?
You can formally challenge a Penalty Charge Notice online through the official Southampton City Council portal within 28 days of receiving it. If you file your appeal within the first 14 days, the council will freeze the 50% early payment discount while your case is under review.
