North Devon car park to close permanently in 2026, council confirms

Clarence Wharf car park in Bideford will permanently close from Monday, 5 January 2026, Torridge District Council has confirmed.

The car park, located on Barnstaple Street (EX39 4AE), is being closed to make way for the Brunswick Wharf development.

Torridge District Council said the site is owned by the developers and was originally expected to close when the land was sold and planning permission granted. However, a shared income agreement allowed the car park to remain open in recent years.

The council said this arrangement meant the facility could continue operating for longer than anticipated, providing parking for residents and visitors while plans for the development progressed.

Once the car park closes, drivers will need to use alternative parking in the town.

The nearest options include Pannier Market (Honestone) long stay, Bridge Street short stay, Riverbank long stay and short stay, Cattle Market long stay, and Springfield long stay car parks.

Permit holders who require advice have been asked to contact the council’s parking office on 01237 428700, selecting option 8.

The council’s parking team said signage will be installed at the site in the coming weeks to ensure people are given advance notice of the closure.

Torridge District Council said the closure is necessary to allow work on the Brunswick Wharf development to move forward.