Businesses back bid for £741k action plan
BUSINESS owners in the South Side of Glasgow have voted in favour of a plan to revitalise their area.
Proposals for a Business Improvement District (BID) in Shawlands took a significant step forward after a ballot of local businesses saw almost threequarters voting for it to go-ahead.
The area’s BID is expected to raise £741,000 over the next five years.
The money is set to be spent on initiatives to increase footfall, advertising and PR campaigns to raise awareness of what Shawlands has to offer.
Other projects will be funded such as putting up seasonal street lighting, shopfront improvement grants and becoming involved with environmental campaigns to improve the area’s cleanliness.
David Ross, the co-chair of the Shawlands BID Steering Group, said: “The steering group is delighted that, following the recent ballot, the proposal for the establishment of the Business Improvement District for Shawlands Town Centre has been overwhelmingly accepted by the Businesses.
“This is a real boost and will allow for the continued recovery and growth of the area.
“A company will now be established to run the BID which will be business led and have a dedicated manager overseeing and co-ordinating projects and discussions with the stakeholders.
“We would welcome all business owners to join us in shaping the future of Shawlands.”
The collaboration of businesses in the area was formed to give businesses in Shawlands a unified voice to raise concerns as well as work on money- saving projects such as bulk procurement of utilities, advertising and waste contracts.
A council spokesman said: “The creation of a Shawlands BID offers the chance for this vibrant area of Glasgow to make even more of its fantastic resources.
“Shawlands town centre is undoubtedly one of Glasgow’s most attractive destinations for shops, pubs and restaurants, and this latest news keeps up the momentum for Shawlands’ regeneration.”
Joint collaboration will give the businesses of Shawlands a unified voice to raise concerns as well as working on money saving projects such as bulk procurement of utilities, advertising and waste contracts. A BID can also allow the local business community to attract additional funding and resources that they would otherwise be unable to do so.
Shawlands BID is part of the area’s town centre action plan which was created in 2012.
With a budget of £3.3million the plan has supported projects and investment which aim to develop area’s reputation as a retail, food and leisure destination.
The BID scheme is planned to be in place from June this year to 2022.