A major boost for shoppers and visitors is on the way in Driffield, as a brand-new free car park prepares to open—marking a key step in the town’s ongoing regeneration.
The new facility, located on Exchange Street, will officially open on Wednesday, April 8, delivering 100 parking spaces on the site of the town’s former cattle market—land that has stood unused for more than two decades.
Developed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, the car park forms part of a wider redevelopment deal that will also see a new Aldi store built in the town centre.
Under the agreement, the existing free car park at Eastgate will close to make way for the supermarket, which will include its own dedicated customer parking. In exchange, the newly completed Exchange Street site will take its place, offering modern facilities including disabled bays, motorcycle spaces, and electric vehicle charging points.
Set beside the neighbouring Beck, the new car park also features open views, fresh landscaping, and newly installed safety railings—transforming what was once a historic but long-abandoned site.
The former cattle market was once a bustling hub for livestock auctions before closing in 2001. Since then, the land has remained largely untouched—until now.
Councillor Paul West, the council’s cabinet member for environment and transport, welcomed the development.
“We’re delighted to open this new free car park for residents and visitors, while bringing a long-unused site back into use,” he said. “This is part of a wider regeneration scheme that will bring even more parking and investment into the town.”
The project has been fully funded by Aldi as part of the land exchange, with construction carried out by Gatsby Group.
Aldi’s real estate director, Simon Plumb, said the company is eager to press ahead with the next phase.
“This is an important investment in Driffield town centre,” he said. “We’re looking forward to starting work on the new store shortly, with the aim of opening ahead of Christmas 2026.”
With improved parking, a major new supermarket, and a long-neglected site finally brought back to life, the development signals a new chapter for Driffield—one focused on convenience, growth, and revitalising the heart of the town.
