The ballot papers have now been despatched to businesses in the Redcliffe & Temple area of Bristol who will vote to decide if it will become Bristol city centre’s third Business Improvement District (BID).
During an extensive consultation process undertaken by Destination Bristol which started in early 2019, businesses identified a series of projects they would like to see delivered if the BID is implemented. These are detailed in the BID Business Plan and summarised by the following five themes:
Creating and maintaining quality spaces
Improving sustainability and the environment
Creating and promoting a vibrant place
Connecting and representing businesses
Building a safe and caring community
The aim is to create a dynamic business community which has a strong, representative voice. The focus would be on managing and improving the public realm in the Redcliffe and Temple area, introducing events and ensuring a real focus on sustainable initiatives, the local community and the wellbeing of staff.
An Advisory Group comprising representatives from local organisations has guided this initiative from consultation to the ballot period, including transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson which has been based in Bristol since 1998. It is the firm’s second largest UK office where it employs around 230 staff at its base at 3 Temple Quay. Fiona O’Kane, who is a partner and head of the firm’s Bristol office is excited at the opportunity presented by the BID.
Fiona comments: “The timing of the BID couldn’t be more opportune – changes in working practices brought by the pandemic and the need to address the climate emergency crisis are encouraging us to reshape what the future of the workplace will look like and to rebuild an environment for our business, people and clients that is fit for the future. We’re thrilled to be endorsing the Redcliffe & Temple BID so we can all collectively influence the prosperity of the area and support Bristol’s green and socio-economic recovery.”
For a YES vote to be secured a majority must vote in favour and a positive outcome would result in businesses paying a levy of 1.5% of their rateable value towards the BID each year. It is estimated that this would result in around £5m of investment over the BID term.
If successful the BID would be delivered by Destination Bristol which has delivered the Broadmead BID since 2005 and the Bristol City Centre BID since 2017. Jo Hawkins who previously managed the Broadmead BID is leading on this project, assisted by Tom Swithinbank. Both are excited by the opportunity to work collaboratively with businesses to shape the future of the area.
Jo says “The last year has been a tough time for everyone and this BID would give us the opportunity to support businesses towards a tangible and effective recovery from the pandemic. Recent consultation has shown great support for the projects proposed in the Business Plan. We really hope businesses will vote YES so that we can start work.”
The ballot is being carried out by Civica Election Services and ballot papers must be posted back to be received by 15 April 2021. The result of the ballot will be known by 19 April 2021 and if successful the BID will start on 1 June 2021.
To read the BID Business plan and for more information about the proposed Redcliffe and Temple BID, please visit www.redcliffeandtemplebid.co.uk
