Following a six month delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, businesses in Redcliffe and Temple will be invited to vote for the area to become a Business Improvement District (BID) in a ballot which will take place from 18 March – 15 April 2021. A successful outcome would result in over £5m of investment for the area over the BID term.
As businesses navigate a challenging future, a BID is seen as critical to help them recover from the effects of the pandemic by providing funds to deliver improvements to the area which have been proposed by the businesses within the proposed BID area.
This initiative is being proposed by Destination Bristol which already operates the very successful Broadmead and Bristol City Centre BIDs. The aim is to make Redcliffe and Temple an inspirational, sustainable and welcoming place for businesses, employees, visitors and residents; for it to be known as a thriving commercial district and an outstanding community which all involved are proud to be a part of.
Consultation with businesses began in February 2019. The BID Development team has contacted all businesses within the proposed BID boundary, giving them the opportunity to input into the proposals through a series of individual meetings, surveys, and workshops.
This work has culminated in the publication of a Business Plan which outlines how the BID would respond to the priorities identified by local businesses with a structured and costed plan.
If successful, the Redcliffe & Temple BID will focus on the following five themes:
- Creating & maintaining quality spaces
- Improving sustainability & the environment
- Creating & promoting a vibrant place
- Connecting & representing businesses
- Building a safe & caring community
Redcliffe & Temple BID Development Manager Jo Hawkins has been leading on this project with the assistance of Tom Swithinbank. Jo previously managed the Broadmead BID for 15 years, working with retailers to maintain the appeal of the city centre’s main shopping destination. Jo is excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively with businesses to shape the future of this area.
Jo says: “Many of the projects in the Business Plan were suggested by businesses before the pandemic started and all focus on making the area a better place for everyone. Recent consultation has revealed that they are now even more important. Like all city centres, Bristol will continue to evolve, it will remain a critical hub for people and for businesses. The Redcliffe & Temple Business Improvement District will give us the opportunity to work together towards a tangible and effective recovery.”
Imran Ali, General Manager at Doubletree by Hilton Hotel, is part of the Redcliffe & Temple BID Advisory Group. Imran says: “Destination Bristol has a proven track record for implementing two very successful BIDs in Bristol. I am excited to be part of this new BID which will focus on co-ordinating improvements, caring for the public realm and promoting the area – all of which will benefit my guests and my staff. I see the BID and the projects proposed by the BID as a key part of the area’s future as we respond to the challenges of Covid-19.”
If successful at ballot, all eligible businesses – irrespective of how they voted – will be required to pay 1.5% of their rateable value towards the BID. Those who already contribute to a managed space will receive a 50% discount to account for the services that are already provided to them as part of their management charge.
A Management Board from the area will be formed to oversee, guide and manage the direction of the BID with representatives from businesses encouraged to join Working Groups to influence BID projects and ensure that business needs are met.
The BID Development team is now promoting the proposals outlined in the Business Plan to businesses, ensuring that they are fully aware of this exciting opportunity, ahead of the ballot.
To read the BID Business plan and for more information about the proposed Redcliffe and Temple BID, please visit www.redcliffeandtemplebid.co.uk
