A quirky chessboard in a Nottingham car park has left drivers puzzled and questioning its purpose and cost
This quirky piece was installed next to a pay-and-display machine in Sherwood. It’s part of a big project to turn car parks into E-Mobility Hubs, which will have EV charging points and bike racks. But many think the chessboard is a waste of space and money.
Residents like Philip Towell, who visited with his daughter, find it ridiculous. He pointed out that it’s wobbly and lacks chess pieces. His daughter even asked where the pieces were. It seems like something the council just had lying around.
Amanda Riley, another local, questioned who would want to play chess in a noisy car park. She noted it’s cold outside, making it an odd spot for a game. Another resident chimed in, saying it’s England, and who wants to sit outside in the cold?
Online, people are also voicing their opinions. One Reddit user criticized the council for spending money on the chessboard when they’re facing financial issues. Another joked that no one would use it for ages.
In defense, Nottingham City Council said the chess tables can double as seating for other activities. They mentioned that this is an experimental project and will be reviewed based on public feedback. If it doesn’t work out, they might remove it. But if it’s a hit, who knows? They might add more in the future.