Our colleagues at HUB Parking UK introduce a new parking management case study in Suffolk, England. Tucked into the heart of Ipswich, the Blackfriars multi-store car park has quietly become an essential gateway to the town centre, welcoming commuters, residents and visitors into a neighbourhood shaped by independent shops, well-regarded restaurants and, just a short walk away, the redeveloped waterfront with its marina and cafes.
With over 500 spaces, Blackfriars plays a key role in supporting local footfall, and Ipswich Borough Council worked alongside local stakeholders to keep the town centre accessible and attractive. To modernise operations, the Council turned to Apex Parking, a UK-based car park operator specialising in the management and commercial optimisation of parking assets across retail and urban environments.
HUB Parking UK delivered a hybrid Jupiter parking solution running on the JMS Management System, combining LPR technology, flexible payment options and integration with FAAC access control. Customers enter through two lanes equipped with Magnetic Parking Pro barriers, where number plates are captured automatically; payment can then be completed at one of two cashless pay stations or directly at exit. Convenience extends beyond the barriers: covered footbridges connect directly to Blackfriars Retail Park and the waterfront, and information boards keep visitors updated on local events, bus timetables and nearby restaurants.
At the core of the solution, JMS gives Apex Parking a centralised, cloud-enabled management system with real-time transactions, occupancy and system status, enabling faster decisions and more efficient daily operations. Advanced reporting also allows the operators to evaluate pricing strategies and run targeted campaigns.
By combining FAAC Access and HUB Parking Technology solutions, Apex Parking now benefits from a reliable, adaptable system built for the demands of a busy urban location.
Read the full case study to explore the technology and the results behind the project.