• Swindon & Wiltshire Economy
• Monday July 7 2025

Bristol firms vote ‘yes’ to merged Business Improvement District

Firms in Bristol have overwhelmingly voted yes to a merged Business Improvement District.

Following a consultation exercise which began back in March, 75 per cent of 1,000 stakeholders voted for a merger of the City Centre, Redcliffe & Temple, and Broadmead BIDs.

The unified BID structure will come into effect on November 1, following a short transition period.

The BIDs say the unification will see more than £18 million will be invested directly into Bristol’s city centre over the next five years.

They say the funding will “drive a comprehensive programme of improvements, including enhanced safety measures, better public spaces, stronger environmental action and year-round campaigns and events that showcase Bristol as one of the UK’s most vibrant and forward-looking destinations.”

The unified model, they say, will streamline operations, foster greater collaboration and unlock over £500,000 in savings over the five year term, which will be fully reinvested into services that benefit businesses and communities.

Steve Bluff, director of Redcliffe & Temple BID and lead for the new Bristol BID, said: “It’s not every day a city centre gets the chance to reset its future. This is a business-led vision that puts local voices at the heart of shaping Bristol’s next chapter.

“The yes vote is more than an endorsement of a plan – it’s a clear commitment to collaboration, innovation and raising our collective ambition.”

The new BID will continue to deliver the initiatives that businesses already value – such as the award-winning Bristol Light Festival.

The city’s safety teams – a coordinated group of professionals including Street Rangers, Street Intervention Officers, PCSOs and volunteer Street Pastors – will also continue their work in making the city centre safer and more welcoming.

Pictured: BID directors Vicky Lee, Steve Bluff and Vivienne Kennedy – courtesy of Plaster Creative Communications