Bedminster businesses urged to vote ‘Yes’ in BID vote to keep area moving forward
Bedminster businesses are being urged to vote ‘Yes’ in the ballot to renew the Business Improvement District (BID) that covers the area. Set up to increase the profile of the area, improve the visibility of local businesses and reduce anti-social behaviour, the BID has enjoyed some notable successes over the past five years.
Over £600,000 has been invested in the area to improve the experience for shoppers, businesses, residents and visitors. Shop vacancies are down by a third, and the local business community has come together for multiple events.
Now the BID is up for renewal, and the local group that oversees it has put together an ambitious plan covering the next five years which includes ongoing support of local community groups such as The Lantern Parade, a push to fill vacant shops, investment to attract more independent retailers to the area and a move to incentivise landlords to invest more in the area.
Clearly signposted priorities specifically address targets for East Street, North Street and West Street, along with overall priorities for the area.
Simon Dicken, BID chair, said: “We started our journey six years ago by becoming one of the first Mary Portas ‘Town Teams’ which evolved into a Business Improvement District. But there is much more we want, and must do, so this ballot will ensure the work of the BID continues and is probably the single most important issue for us. We hope businesses and residents are in favour of the BID and recognise the efforts of the last six years such as the events and street enhancements like Ebenezer Pocket Park and The Great Bemmie Banquet.
“We can only go forward if we mobilise our community to get a "YES" in the upcoming ballot”.
The timeline for the vote is as follows:
February 22nd: Ballot papers sent out
March 22nd: Deadline for ballot papers to be returned.