Businesses have voted overwhelmingly to renew the Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District for another five years generating investment of more than £3 million into the town centre
Almost 700 businesses in the retail, leisure, office and public sectors were given the opportunity to vote over the last month to renew the Bournemouth Town Centre BID after a period of extensive consultation and publication of a five-year business plan.
The Yes vote was secured after a higher than average turnout for a BID election of 50%.
Voting figures were:
Yes by number: 78%
Yes by rateable value: 89%
The BID will begin to deliver its ambitious 2017-2022 Business Plan from July 1. This will include implementing a wide range of projects aimed at raising the town centre’s profile, increasing footfall, and creating a better trading environment in which all businesses can thrive. It will also provide a unified business voice to drive the town centre forward and attract further investment.
Martin Davies, Town Centre BID Chairman, said:
“We are delighted to once again receive the support of the local business community. Together we will provide a strong and effective business voice to drive forward our town centre for another five years. Building on our success we will utilise this investment to deliver tangible benefits for levy payers and the whole town centre. I would like to personally thank all the businesses who voted.’’
For the first time, the office sector is included and there will be money for extra cleaning services and some environmental improvements along with the continuation of events and festivals, town centre rangers, and marketing and promotion.
Levy-paying businesses have opportunities to make the most of the BID almost immediately by booking a BID promotional stall at the upcoming Bournemouth Food & Drink Festival and Summer Live events in The Square.
The neighbouring Coastal BID was also voted back in and the two BIDs will work closely together on a variety of projects to raise the profile of Bournemouth and its coastal villages.
Bill Cotton, Executive Director for Environment & Economy at Bournemouth Borough Council, said:
“I am absolutely delighted that so many businesses have backed both the Town Centre and Coastal BIDs. This means that Bournemouth and the coastal villages will continue to benefit from this vital promotional revenue for the next five years, and is an absolute testament to the great work of both BIDs since their creation five years ago. It will sharpen our competitive edge as a dynamic, world class resort with so much on offer for those who visit, live and work here.”
Steve Hughes, BID Manager, said:
”I was delighted to get such strong support, especially from the office sector which hasn’t been involved in the first five years. They don’t get the same direct benefit but wanted to have a say in what goes on. We also wanted to reflect Bournemouth’s position as an important business location.”
The BID is an independent, not-for-profit company with a voluntary board of directors drawn from a range of businesses in the BID area.
To find out more about the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, visit www.towncentrebid.co.uk.
