In advance of a vote on a second five year term, the Business Improvement District (BID) has unveiled a five year plan with a range of proposed improvements to the city centre.
The renewal ballot will take place between June 7 and July 4, 2019 and all businesses within the city centre catchment zone with a rateable value over £18,000 will be eligible to vote. In order to be successful, the BID vote has to achieve at least 51 per cent of the total rateable value and 51 per cent of the eligible businesses.
The BID’s vision aims to create ” a city centre fit for the future” with city wide wi-fi and a diverted giving scheme amongst the proposals. BID manager Carl Critchlow speaking to an audience of BID members said that the team will “continue to make things happen”
The new business plan was created after extensive consultation with
businesses throughout the city centre and has a strong focus on making Chester a city fit for the future through improved digital infrastructure, as well as driving more footfall; increasing dwell time and encouraging more consumer spend.
Over £2million in private sector investment would be generated for city centre improvements over the five years if CH1ChesterBID secures another ‘yes’ vote, and other plans include a host of new business forums with key stakeholders to ensure city centre businesses continue to have a powerful voice in Chester.
The implementation of a unique Chester Gift Card to further increase return visits and support both independents and high street stores is also in the plans, which have been published online here: http://www.ch1chesterbid.co.uk.
Carl Critchlow, CH1ChesterBID Manager, said: “Now, more than ever, our city centre businesses need a team that will support them and champion a better trading environment to ensure future success on our high street.
“We’ve played a leading role in incredible events – including the annual Christmas parade and light switch on – supported the night time economy, continuously cleansed the streets and provided the city with two of its most recognisable faces – our much-loved Welcome Ambassadors – Luka and Monica.
“We’ve listened to the needs of local businesses and we’ve made things happen. Now we want to build on everything we’ve achieved and do even more to benefit our local economy.”
During its first term, CH1ChesterBID, which began in 2014 and is funded by city centre businesses, has invested more than £2.5million in the city centre.
Carl continued: “Looking ahead, we’re ambitious about the future and have some really fresh ideas, as our business plan shows. Without the support of CH1ChesterBID, the city will lose out on coordinated events and marketing campaigns, city centre management clean-up initiatives, the Welcome Ambassadors and a strong voice on key city centre issues. That’s why it’s crucial that businesses take the time to register their vote and support us during the renewal ballot.”
The results of the ballot will be announced on Friday July 5, 2019. If the outcome goes in favour of CH1ChesterBID continuing, the organisation will continue its work for another five years until the end of August 2024.
The Chester blog 