Highlighting a successful first five-year term, the Bournemouth’s Town Centre (BID) is urging businesses to vote ‘Yes’ and continue investment in the future of Bournemouth
Bournemouth currently has one of the fastest growing economies in the UK with a nationally significant financial services sector, a thriving tourism industry, and a rapidly growing digital economy. This phenomenal growth and success are in part attributed to a £3 million investment made by the local business community into their Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID).
The Town Centre BID is now up for renewal and votes must be submitted by the 1st June. Eligible businesses across Bournemouth are urged to vote yes and continue collective investment in future projects and services to further improve our Town Centre for businesses and the community.
Between 2012 and 2017, the Town Centre BID implemented a wide range of projects aimed at raising the town centre’s profile, increasing footfall, and creating a better trading environment in which all business can thrive. Through marketing and events, they delivered Bournemouth’s first outdoor Christmas ice-rink and its first ever regional Christmas TV campaign. Furthermore, they provided the award-winning Gardens of Light and the free Sunday Christmas parking in council car parks for late night holiday season shopping.
Through partnerships with the Coastal BID and Bournemouth Borough Council, the Town Centre BID has implemented a comprehensive, modern, pedestrian signage system. This has brought 140 new signs to town in recent years. In addition, free visitor maps now highlight the town’s main shopping, eating out and nightlife areas.
Ensuring the town centre remains safe and secure for visitors, a team of Town Centre BID Rangers now operate 7 days a week, providing a welcoming face whilst also deterring shoplifters and anti-social behaviour. Supporting the development of local businesses, the Town Centre BID has also made available several free courses in first aid, social media, employment law and HR. Celebrating the success of these initiatives, Bournemouth Town Centre enjoyed an astounding 12% increase in footfall in 2016 compared with the national high street average of -1.1%.
Martin Davis, Chairman of the Town Centre BID said:
“Our town centre is currently thriving. Over the last five years, our Town Centre BID’s activities have helped to enhance the town’s reputation as an increasingly popular shopping, leisure, and business destination. With huge investments in the pipeline, I urge you to vote ‘YES’. A yes majority will see all our successes carried forward and improved over the next five years.’’
With BID ballot papers posted and received, levy-paying businesses must vote ‘YES’ to renew the BIDs before the 1st June 2017. To find out more about the Bournemouth Town Centre BID, visit www.towncentrebid.co.uk.
