Around 20 car parks operated by National Car Parks (NCP) are set to permanently close, just days after the company entered administration.
These closures represent the first major restructuring initiative overseen by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), which was appointed to manage the business last week.
Sources indicate that landlords and staff have been informed that several sites are “no longer commercially viable” to operate, leading to a small number of expected job losses.
NCP, which is owned by the Japanese firm Park24, operates approximately 340 sites across the UK and employs nearly 700 people.
While administrators initially assured customers and staff that all locations would remain open, the planned closures highlight the significant challenges facing the business.
NCP has struggled to rebound from the pandemic’s lasting effects, which dramatically reduced demand for parking in city centres and among commuters. Furthermore, changing working patterns—including a shift to hybrid and remote work—have continued to suppress usage at many locations.
PwC stated that it will work with landlords and stakeholders to “improve the viability” of the remaining sites while exploring a potential sale of all or part of the business.
This move underscores the broader pressures facing sectors linked to traditional commuting patterns, as structural changes in how people work and travel continue to reshape high streets and urban economies.
Last week Zelf Hussain, Joint Administrator and PwC partner, said: “NCP has faced a challenging trading environment over several years, with changing consumer behaviours impacting volumes, and a high fixed cost-base leading to trading losses.
Our priority on appointment is to ensure continuity of service while we undertake a detailed review of the business
All sites are open, staff remain in post, and trading continues as normal.
We will be engaging with landlords, employees and other stakeholders as we explore all options, including the potential sale of all or part of the business, to secure the best possible outcome for creditors.
