ShopMobility Cambridge, Grand Arcade: ShopMobility UK Scheme of the Month (April 2022)

Founded in the early 1990’s, ShopMobility Cambridge operates from spacious premises within the Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, in Cambridge City Centre and from Grafton East Car Park at the Grafton Shopping Centre. The Grand Arcade site is supported by long-serving volunteer Jenny Harris. “My role is so rewarding because I am helping people with restricted mobility have a better quality […]

Founded in the early 1990’s, ShopMobility Cambridge operates from spacious premises within the Grand Arcade Shopping Centre, in Cambridge City Centre and from Grafton East Car Park at the Grafton Shopping Centre. The Grand Arcade site is supported by long-serving volunteer Jenny Harris.

Long serving ShopMobility volunteer Jenny Harris.


“My role is so rewarding because I am helping people with restricted mobility have a better quality of life”.

Jenny began volunteering at the scheme when she retired 14 years ago. Over the years she has developed positive relationships with all her customers and is approachable, patient and kind. When asked why she enjoys volunteering she says:

ShopMobility Cambridge originally operated from the old Lion Yard site and has always been dedicated to helping shoppers retain their independence and worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the service.  Since then ShopMobility Cambridge has gone from strength-to-strength.

This vital service is proud to provide enhanced living for anyone with limited mobility, whether temporary or permanent.  The centre has a large fleet of quality, reliable mobility equipment including electric wheelchairs, manual wheelchairs.and scooter all available for free hire.

The scheme has its own entrance in the Grand Arcade Car Park, with eight designated parking spaces and a lift that takes service users directly up to the shopping centre. There is also a Changing Places restroom, which contains a toilet, shower, hoist and changing bed.

If you drive in to hire a mobility scooter you can park free of charge for up to three hours. Terms and conditions apply. Taxis can enter the Shopmobility car park to drop off and pick you up without a charge. If you use Dial-a-Ride, the parking team can meet you at the Cambridge Market Square or Grafton East Car Park. The Grafton Centre ShopMobility also offer the free drop off and pick up service. 

One of the regular customers, 89-year-old June Perry uses the scheme twice a week. She books her favourite scooter by telephone, then the taxi drops her right outside of the office. June says:

“I really couldn’t do without ShopMobility, if I didn’t get out and use the scooter then I would lose my confidence”. June runs her errands amongst many shops. “People are always very kind and helpful when they see me on my scooter. I find the scooter very easy to use”.

In addition to the Grand Arcade Centre, ShopMobility Cambridge has another office located in the Grafton shopping centre. 

If you are planning to visit Cambridge City centre and want to find out more about how Cambridge ShopMobility could help you or someone you know please visit:

https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/borrow-a-scooter-from-shopmobility
Email: shopmobility@cambridge.gov.uk
Tel: 01223 457452 (Grand Arcade car park)
Tel: 01223 461858 (Grafton East car park)

The team is currently looking for volunteers to help support the Shopmobility service. 
To find out more, contact ShopMobility Cambridge at:

Email: carparks@cambridge.gov.uk  

Tel: 01223 457337 

Website: www.cambridge.gov.uk/borrow-a-scooter-from-shopmobility