BID sets out priorities as it looks towards second term
NEARLY £3 million could be used to help hundreds of businesses in Cheltenham town centre. Cheltenham Business Improvement District has launched its new secondterm plan, setting out its priorities in support of more than 800 businesses and £2.8m worth of investment in the town centre, ahead of its renewal ballot.
Like all BIDS across the country, Cheltenham BID is legally required to run a renewal ballot to continue for a second term.
This will take place in June and businesses will be required to vote yes if they want the BID to continue its work.
Having been formed following a positive vote among businesses in 2016, Cheltenham BID aims to boost marketing and promotion, town centre events, parking and accessibility, business support and public realm improvements.
Using a £420,000 annual levy it collected from businesses during its first five-year term, the BID delivered a range of projects and services to support businesses, improve the visitor experience and give levy payers a collective voice on town issues.
It was also at the forefront of a number of major events and celebrations such as the town’s enhanced Christmas lights and high-profile switch-on events, Light Up Cheltenham and the Big Wheel, and the Around Town programmes that bring Cheltenham’s famous jazz, music, science and literature festivals onto the town’s streets and into businesses.
The content of the business plan has been informed by businesses in the town centre, more than 200 of which responded to the BID’S recent consultation.
Businesses said initiatives they wanted to see continue included BID in Bloom, Tidy Up Cheltenham and the BID’S collaboration with Marketing Cheltenham and the promotion of the town via Visit Cheltenham.
The business plan for the 2021-26 period also includes a proposed extension to the current BID operating zone, which would see an additional 210 businesses included.
The plan shows it would expand towards Bath Road, Bayshill Road, St George’s Place and would include Montpellier Gardens.
Leaders of Cheltenham Borough Council have given their backing to the BID’S plan to run for another five years.
Alex Rose, managing director of Beards jewellers and Cheltenham BID’S chairman, said: “Following our consultation with businesses earlier this year, the overwhelmingly positive feedback highlighted just how valuable the work of the BID has been – and how important it is that this work continues as part of the town’s recovery.
“Building on the foundations we’ve laid in our first five years, the BID is uniquely placed to bring businesses together and seize the opportunities that lie ahead to revitalise our town centre and make a positive difference to the town as a whole.”
Belinda Hunt, Cheltenham BID’S operations manager, said: “What the BID has achieved over the past five years is in no small part attributable to the support we get from BID businesses and their enthusiasm to get involved with our projects. “It’s reassuring when we get asked to deal with issues ranging from antisocial behaviour to accessing grants – it shows how much businesses in the town have come to rely on us for everything from helping them make cost savings through to getting them trading online during the pandemic.”
Martin Bundy, manager at John Lewis and Partners in Cheltenham, said: “Having worked in several locations across the UK with local BIDS and shopping centre boards, I can’t highlight enough how strong the Cheltenham BID is by comparison. “We should be really proud of the work that has been achieved during its first five years, and excited by the possibilities in front of us over the next term.”
The renewal ballot runs between June 3 and July 1.
If businesses vote yes, the second term will begin on August 1.
What the BID has achieved over the past five years is in no small part attributable to the support we get from BID businesses and their enthusiasm to get involved with our projects. Belinda Hunt