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| A damaged door at Garrick House multi-storey in January 2022 |
The loss of Merton Meadow is widely seen as a problem for Hereford FC fans — but could it also spark changes in how supporters travel to Edgar Street?
The 650-space car park is being redeveloped into a wetland and 400-home “urban village". A council report, obtained by Bulls News as part of our investigation, makes clear this will squeeze capacity on busy Saturdays, especially in December when combined with shoppers. But it also identifies under-used options elsewhere.
Maylord Orchards and the Garrick multi-storey both have spare spaces outside December peaks. The report suggests that, with better signage, adjusted pricing and improved safety measures, they could absorb more demand. But there are hurdles.
It notes that NHS permit holders are currently “less keen” to use Garrick House due to environment and safety concerns — issues the council would need to address if it wants drivers, including football supporters, to switch.
The same report floats ideas such as 're-zoning' car parks, improving wayfinding, and upgrading security. These are relatively low-cost measures that could make existing car parks more attractive in the short term.
Currently, Merton Meadow is classed as zone three, a three-hour Saturday afternoon stay costing just £3, where Garrick House in zone two costs £4.80. and Maylord Orchards in zone one £5.40
Supporters may also adapt their own habits. Arriving earlier, car-sharing, or parking further out and walking in are all potential ways to soften the impact. And while the new Transport Hub by the railway station won’t automatically bring new bus routes, it could in time make it easier to combine public transport and walking.
Crowds at Edgar Street are growing — over 2,700 on average last season. That rising demand makes it unlikely matchdays will ever be as simple as pulling straight into Merton Meadow. But with targeted council action and some new habits from fans, there is at least scope for disruption to be managed.
There is also the potential for a new multi-storey on the Country Bus Station, off Commercial Road. The report says this could “mitigate and potentially consolidate parking supply”. But the project needs funding and depends on the new Transport Hub being delivered, work on which has only just begun.
Closing Merton Meadow will be an adjustment. Yet over time, could it lead to different, more sustainable matchday routines, provided the council delivers on the improvements its own consultants recommend?
This article is part of an original Bulls News investigation into the future of Merton Meadow and what its closure means for Hereford supporters.