Backing for BID giving boost to trade in town
being led by the Huddersfield Partnership, which is working with Kirklees Council.
A feasibility study completed last year highlighted some of the areas of concern to local people that could potentially be addressed by BID money.
These include improving access and smartening up the appearance of the town, addressing crime and safety issues and promoting the town in a positive and co-ordinated way through events and marketing.
Steven Leigh, head of policy at the Huddersfield-based Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The aim is to make Huddersfield a better place to visit, shop, relax, work and live.
“An improved town centre means a better trading environment and more prosperity for our town, our businesses and our residents.”
David Wyles, chair of Hudders- field Civic Society, said: “The society has major concerns regarding the current vitality and image of the town centre.
“It fully endorses the concept of the BID and its outline proposals and hopes it will gain the support of local businesses, residents and the council.”
Barney Mynott, development manager at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “There are some great small independent traders in Huddersfield.
“Getting a BID for the town would help attract more people into town and into these shops.
“This will ensure Huddersfield remains vibrant and lively, and that is what everybody wants.”
Brent Woods, chief executive of The Media Centre, said: “I’m excited to see the development of a BID for Huddersfield.
“It has the potential to be a responsive source of funding and support for the needs of the local business community and help to make our town centre safer, more vibrant and attractive to new investment.”
Kirklees councillor Naheed Mather said: “I strongly support the BID process, which will be important for our town and allows business to be clear about which improvements they wish to see.”
Fellow councillor Julie Stewart Turner said: “I am supporting the BID as I think it is an exciting opportunity for Huddersfield, which will provide benefits for everyone.
“BID is a vehicle to bring together everyone who has an interest in the town centre, to enable them to work together constructively, and provide a bright, sustainable future for our town.”
Vernon O’Reilly, centre manager of the Piazza Centre and chair of the Huddersfield BID steering committee, welcomed the “strong” support for BID status from local businesses and organisations.
“BID gives back ownership of the town to those investing in it,” he said.
“Importantly, it does not involve taking money from existing council services but instead provides additional money and services for the town.
“The funds raised are expected to bring in a substantial return for local businesses through improvements to the town centre.
“The transformation will also benefit local people and encourage visitors, footfall and spend.”
He said: “There is much work to do to ensure that all businesses and organisations within the BID area have the opportunity to shape the BID proposal and business plan, including surveys, workshops and personal interviews.
“Surveys will be circulated shortly together with more information about how to get involved.”