Council gets behind BID’S effort to secure its future
LEADERS of Cheltenham Borough Council have given their backing to the town’s Business Improvement District (BID) plan to run for another five years.
Cheltenham BID is a not-for-profit organisation funded by and working for levy paying businesses in the town centre.
It was voted in by local businesses in 2016 to represent and support more than 600 firms.
And the BID says it has delivered services to support businesses, improve the visitor experience and bring exciting new events to the town through the partnership and by using the £420,000 annual levy it collects. It also gives levy payers a collective voice on issues affecting the town.
But the BID is now in its fifth year of its first term and is required by law to hold a renewal ballot to continue.
Speaking at the April 28 cabinet meeting, council leader Rowena Hay said she was delighted to see plans to extend the current BID area.
The draft business plan shows it would expand towards Bath Road, Bayshill Road, St George’s Place and will include Montpellier Gardens, inset.
Councillor Hay said: “The board of the Cheltenham BID company has decided it wishes to proceed with the renewal ballot and has notified Cheltenham Borough Council.
“The BID company is seeking a further operating period of four years and eight months running from August 1, 2021 until March 31, 2026.
“Cheltenham BID consulted with all of its levy players in January and February this year.
“And the launch of the draft business plan is in May and the ballot will run from June 3 until June 29. On July 2, there will be the announcement of the result. I’m delighted to see that the proposal is to extend the current BID area. I do very much hope that the BID will be successful in its consultation.”
Councillor Victoria Atherstone said it was really positive news for Cheltenham.
“It’s really exciting to see from the draft business plan the value it provides to the town centre and the really encouraging feedback that has been received from local businesses and the fact the area is growing to provide more opportunities for businesses in Cheltenham.”
Cabinet unanimously approved the draft baseline and operating agreements with the BID if they are successful with the renewal.
These agreements set out the services the council intends to provide and how the council will be responsible for collecting the BID levy.
Opposition councillors have been approached for their views on the BID’S renewal ballot.