Swindon & Wiltshire News
Reading businesses vote in favour of two new BIDS
Reading businesses have voted in favour of two new Business Improvement Districts.
Both Reading Central BID and Abbey Quarter BID will now embark on a new year-year term, starting on April 1.
88 per cent of businesses by number and 93 per cent of businesses by rateable value voted in favour of renewing the Reading Central BID contract. The BID has been representing the business community in the zone since 2006 – it was the first BID established outside of London.
The newer Abbey Quarter BID, which was established in 2019, won the backing of 95 per cent of businesses by number and 97 per cent of businesses by rateable value.
Adam Jacobs, chairman of REDA – Reading’s Economy & Destination Agency, which provides the management operation for Reading’s two BIDs, said: “Businesses in Reading town centre have recognised the immense value that both BIDs bring to our business community.
“These resounding votes in favour of creating two new BIDs for 2024-29 reflect the invaluable contribution of our BIDs to the economic and social wellbeing of our town centre.
“Our businesses have again voted for continued prosperity, innovation and an investment of £7.5 million in our town centre, their businesses and employees over the next five years.”
Councillor Tony Page, mayor of Reading, said: “This vote is excellent news for Reading town centre, its businesses and everyone who uses the town centre.
“My thanks to the staff of REDA who have steadfastly looked after the town centre for the last five years.
“I know the council will play its full part in the 2024-29 BIDs, providing complementary services and working in partnership with business as our town centre continues to prosper and reinvent itself.”
Pictured: Adam Jacobs, chairman of REDA, Nigel Horton Baker, chief executive of REDA, Andy Briggs, chairman of Reading Central BID, Tony Page, Mayor of Reading, Andrew Whiteaker, Abbey Quarter BID chairman, and Alexa Volker, BIDs manager
