National Car Parks (NCP), which operates around 340 car parks across the UK, has called in administrators from PwC after running out of cash.
The company employs more than 680 people nationwide and manages parking at key locations including city centres, hospitals, airports and transport hubs.
What it means right now
Despite the move, drivers are being told it’s business as usual — for now.
Administrators say all car parks remain open, staff are still in place, and there will be no immediate changes for customers.
But a full review of the business is now underway — and that could ultimately lead to closures or changes at some sites.
(Image: Google Maps)
Major Swansea sites under the spotlight
In Swansea, NCP operates several of the city centre’s best-known car parks — all of which are now part of the administration process.
These include Kingsway (328 spaces), Orchard Street (512 spaces), City Gates (251 spaces), Jockey Street (36 spaces), and a small additional site at Northampton Lane. A further NCP car park also operates in Neath on Orchard Street.
Together, these sites provide hundreds of spaces used daily by shoppers, commuters and visitors, making them a key part of the city’s infrastructure.
While no specific closures have been confirmed, administrators have made clear that every site will be assessed for viability.
(Image: Google Maps)
A company with decades of history
National Car Parks is one of the UK’s oldest parking operators, with roots dating back to the 1930s as car ownership began to rise across Britain.
Originally formed to manage growing demand for city parking, the business expanded rapidly in the post-war years, becoming a familiar name in towns and cities across the country.
Over the decades, NCP grew into a dominant force in the sector, operating hundreds of sites and becoming synonymous with multi-storey car parks in urban centres.
However, like many traditional parking operators, it has struggled to adapt to changing travel habits in recent years — particularly the decline in daily commuting.
Why NCP has entered administration
According to PwC, the company has struggled for years following the pandemic.
Changes in working habits — particularly the shift to home working — have reduced demand for city centre parking, while long-term lease agreements have left the business locked into high costs.
In a statement, PwC said the company had insufficient cash to meet its financial obligations, forcing directors to place it into administration.
Zelf Hussain, joint administrator, 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.”
He added:
“All sites are open, staff remain in post, and trading continues as normal.”
Jobs and closures risk
Although staff remain employed for now, the future is uncertain.
Administrators are exploring options including selling all or part of the business, while also negotiating with landlords in a bid to cut costs.
However, they have warned that some locations may not be viable, meaning closures are a real possibility.
What happens next
For now, drivers across Swansea and Neath can continue to use NCP car parks as normal.
But with every site under review, the longer-term future of some locations remains unclear.
For city centre businesses already facing challenges, any loss of parking could have a knock-on effect — making this a story that’s likely to develop in the weeks ahead.
