Beginning Monday, Atlantic Station visitors will have to pay for their free parking.

The mixed-use center currently lets patrons park free for two hours. Next week, shoppers, diners and movie-goers will still get free parking, but only after making a purchase.

When they spend money at stores, food trucks or restaurants, visitors will receive a validation card to be inserted into pay machines with their parking ticket. Those visiting Regal Cinemas will get four hours of free parking, not two.

The move comes as part of a planned $2.5 million upgrade to Atlantic Station's parking facilities to make the deck brighter and easier to navigate. North American Properties said parking has been a main concern since they purchased Atlantic Station in December.