• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Tuesday November 5 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Merger of Bristol’s three city centre BIDs floated

The potential merger of Bristol city centre’s three Business Improvement Districts is to be put to members.

The three bodies – Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID – want to “unite under one vision,” pooling investment of £17 million over five years to strengthen the city’s economic vitality and reputation.

If approved by businesses, the new BID – which would represent more than 1,000 members – will officially launch in November 2025.

The three BIDS already collaborate on a number of projects, including the Bristol Light Festival, TAP for Bristol, and the Business Crime Reduction Partnership.

The new BID would focus on four key delivery themes: Experiences and Promotion to drive footfall; Safe and Supported Communities with crime prevention and safety measures; Clean and Welcoming, which would extend graffiti removal and jet washing services to new areas; and Sustainable and Green, which would manage green spaces, promote sustainable transport, and “position Bristol as a forward-thinking city.”

The merger would save the three organisations around £500,000 in costs.

Steve Bluff, director of Redcliffe & Temple BID, said: “The proposed Bristol BID is a strategic move that will unlock new potential for our city.

“It allows us to streamline resources, reduce duplication and create a more powerful voice for businesses.

“By working collectively, we can address challenges more effectively and deliver greater value for all those that work, visit and live in the city.”

Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “This is a vital investment in the future of our city.

“The additional funds will enable us to deliver more value through impactful projects that create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant city for everyone.

“By coming together, we ensure that every business – large or small – reaps the rewards of a thriving, prosperous Bristol.”

And Vinienne Kennedy, director of Broadmead BID, said: “This unified Bristol BID is about maximising our impact and strategically investing in the city’s future.

“By consolidating efforts, we can leverage our combined resources to elevate projects like the Bristol Light Festival and enhance the visitor experience, while driving footfall and economic growth across the city.”

Consultations with businesses are underway, providing opportunities for feedback to shape the BID’s business plan. A formal ballot is scheduled for June 2025, with the new BID set to launch on 1 November 2025, should the vote pass.

A Business Improvement District is a defined area in which a levy is charged on all eligible business rate payers in addition to the business rates bill.

This levy is used to develop projects which will benefit businesses in the local area.

The first UK BIDs were launched in 2004 – the initiative celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

The proposed merger does not include Bristol’s fourth BID, which covers Clifton Village.

There was also a BID in Bedminster, but this was discontinued after 10 years in 2023.

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