Bristol City Centre BID secures second five-year term

The Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) team are set to build on past successes to create a “future-focused, resilient city”.

The commitment comes after 79 per cent of levy payers who voted opted to renew the organisation’s mandate with a second five-year term.

The BID was first established in 2017 with a remit to benefit businesses in the city centre area – who pay a levy – and ensure the district is one that is safe and welcoming for those who visit, work, study and live there.

Over the last five years, a total of £5m from the BID levy, alongside some £500,000 of additional grants and funding, has been invested back into the city centre.

The team have now pledged to build on their past work and identify new ways to deliver a “better Bristol for all” under four strategic themes:

• Enhancing:  Deliver projects that attract investment and talent, create a greener, cleaner and more attractive city centre and bring visitors, employees and residents back into the heart of the city.
• Protecting:  Invest to reduce, challenge and raise awareness of crime and anti-social behaviour to protect city centre businesses, visitors and residents.
• Promoting:  Take a collaborative approach to deliver campaigns, events and communications to support and promote Bristol city centre and its businesses.
• Supporting:  Act as a single point of contact to represent levy payers, leverage investment, influence strategy and support the business community.

Welcoming the outcome at the ballot, Vicky Lee, the head of Bristol City Centre BID said: “We have a fantastic opportunity to build on our successes and continue to support city centre businesses, we will do even more to connect and represent the business community across the next five years.

“The BID team is committed to creating a better Bristol for all, a future-focused city that attracts business, investment, and people to create a resilient and welcoming city for all.  A city where businesses can thrive, people want to live, work and visit, a city that is safe for all to enjoy whatever time of day or night, and a place that is welcoming and appealing to everyone. We look forward to continuing our work for another five-year term.”

Bristol City Centre BID’s remit includes street cleaning, campaigns and events such as Bristol Light Festival – photo: Bristol City Centre BID

James Woolam, chair of the Bristol City Centre Board, added: “The BID team constantly looks for new ways to support their levy payers and I have been particularly impressed by projects over the last five years that have seen ‘look and feel’ improvements in the city centre, making it a more welcoming and encouraging visitors, as well as the continued outreach work with homelessness charities through TAP for Bristol.

“I look forward to seeing what the BID delivers across the next five years.”

Main photo: Andre Pattenden

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