Deansgate ward
Street parking & car parks in First Street
First Street is Manchester's cultural and entertainment hub, home to theatres, restaurants, and the Bridgewater Hall. Parking here needs a plan — the area mixes controlled street bays with nearby car parks, and demand peaks around event times.
Recommended parking
Top options with confirmed prices where we have them, then nearest — mapped with street bays and car parks in First Street. Tap a numbered pin or list card for details.
22 locations mappedHulme Street Car Park
Car Park · Deansgate
- Type
- Car Park
- Price
- Paid · £5.90/4h · £11.10/day
- Max stay
- No limit
- Hours
- Mon–Sun · 24 hours
- Operator
- Manchester City Council
- Distance
- 253 m from centre
- Address
- Hulme Street, M15 6AW
Good to know
- • Surface car park
- • Charges: Up to 4 hours £5.90 · Up to 24 hours £11.10
- • Disabled bays reserved for Blue Badge holders only. Blue Badge holders can park in any bay and do not need to make payment
- • All payments cashless — pay on arrival by app or ticket machine
Numbered pins are our recommended parking — tap one for details. Every other dot is a mapped street bay or car park on the growing Parkwise map. Recent driver-reported availability is in the app only — Open Parkwise →
Why these picks?
1 · Our pick
Good-value all-day parking near First Street. Hulme Street Car Park is often the nearest practical pick for First Street visits — useful for longer stays when you want a named lot rather than circling residential streets. Check current tariffs and live reports in the Parkwise app before you leave.
2 · Our pick
Event nights and flexible stays. Bridgewater Hall Car Park sits a short walk from First Street and is a solid backup when Hulme Street fills — especially on concert evenings. Confirm opening hours and tariffs in Parkwise, and check live availability before you drive over.
3 · Our pick
Right on First Street when you want minimal walk. Q-Park First Street Car Park is metres from the street itself — ideal if you're heading to a show, restaurant, or the Bridgewater Hall and want to minimise walk time. Large capacity makes it a reliable choice on busy nights. Check the Parkwise app for current tariffs and live availability.
What's nearby?
A few reasons drivers park here — and where bays tend to fill first.
Bridgewater Hall
World-class orchestra and concert venue on First Street itself. Plan to arrive 60 minutes before doors if you're driving.
Opera House
Major theatre hosting musicals, ballet, and drama on Quay Street, steps away. Evening performances draw steady parking demand.
First Street restaurants and bars
Diverse dining and drinking venues line the street itself, from casual to fine dining. Parking pressure builds around dinner service and weekends.
- Our favourite
Castlefield
Historic neighbourhood just south of First Street with galleries, cafés, and canal walks. Easy cross-over if you're parking in either area.
Own a great local business? See how Parkwise advertising works →
First Street parking tips
Arrive early on event nights (theatre, concerts) — availability tightens two hours before doors.
Street bays near First Street are mostly time-limited; a car park is safer if you're staying more than two hours.
Wednesday and Thursday mornings are usually quieter; Saturday afternoons and Friday evenings fill fast.
Check the live reports in the Parkwise app before you drive — it keeps you up to date without guessing.
Evening and night parking is busier around dinner service and post-show times; mid-evening lulls often exist if shows are still running.
Accessible bays exist on and off street; search in the app for your access needs and check availability live.
Beyond the guide
Search the map · Check recent availability
This page was designed as a practical guide to parking around First Street. For a more up-to-date picture before you travel, open Parkwise for the full searchable map, useful filters and recent availability reports shared by drivers nearby.
First Street parking questions
Is there free street parking on First Street?
Free bays are rare in this part of Manchester. Most street parking is time-limited or permit-only. A nearby car park is usually the quickest, most reliable option — check the Parkwise app for live availability before you drive.
Which car park is closest to First Street?
Q-Park First Street Car Park is right on the street. Bridgewater Hall Pay-On-Arrival and Park Avenue Car Park are also nearby. Check the Parkwise app for live availability and current tariffs.
Can I park for free in the evening?
Evening parking on First Street is still controlled or charged. Your best bet is a car park with extended hours. Check the Parkwise app for which car parks suit your timing and budget.
How do I know if parking is available right now?
Download the Parkwise app and check live reports for First Street and nearby car parks. Reports are verified by the community and updated throughout the day — it's the quickest way to see what's actually available before you leave home.
What does parking cost on First Street?
Street parking rates and car park tariffs vary by location and time. Use the Parkwise app to see current pricing for each car park and street area — it's the most reliable way to compare and plan your budget.
Is there parking available on a Sunday?
Yes, but demand is different on Sundays than weekdays. Street bays may have lighter restrictions, but car parks remain your most reliable option. Check the Parkwise app for live Sunday availability and tariffs.
Does Parkwise handle payments?
No. Parkwise shows you verified parking data and live availability — it does not sell parking or take payment. Once you've found a bay or car park, you'll pay on-site, via RingGo, PayByPhone, or the car park's own app, depending on the location. Parkwise just takes the guesswork out of finding it.
Which ward is First Street in?
First Street falls within the Deansgate ward of Manchester city centre. It's a busy, mixed-use area with theatres, restaurants, and offices — all of which create parking demand.