Swindon & Wiltshire News
Swindon prepares to launch new Business Improvement District
Work to re-establish a Business Improvement District in Swindon has reached a significant milestone with a new Shadow BID Board of local businesses and organisations now steering the project through its development phase.
Re-establishing the BID was proposed by Swindon Borough Council and is being supported by council officers.
However, it is now being led by a business-driven shadow board representing sectors across the town centre and Old Town.
The board is led by Laura James, theatre director of the Wyvern Theatre with Old Town entrepreneur Kris Talikowski as vice-chair.
The group is meeting regularly to shape priorities, outline the proposed programme and oversee the next stages of consultation.
Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub has been commissioned to carry out initial engagement, including door-to-door visits with levy-eligible businesses across the proposed area.
Feedback, says the shadow board, has so far has been highly encouraging. More than 65 per cent of respondents have said “definitely yes” or “yes” when asked whether they would support a new BID.
This mirrors themes identified in the feasibility work carried out by The Means, which highlighted an appetite for improvements to safety, place activation and business support.
Discussions are also underway regarding the potential inclusion of Old Town within the BID boundary.
The Old Town Business Association – chaired by Kris – has contributed actively to the early stage work and has proposed an 80 per cent ring-fence model for any levy collected in that area so those funds remain in Old Town.
An online poll of Old Town businesses will take place in the coming weeks to gauge support for inclusion before any decisions are made.
Councillor Jim Robbins, leader of Swindon Borough Council, said: “Our Heart of Swindon vision aims to breathe new life into the town centre and re-establishing the BID is an important step in making the improvements we all want to see.
“The Shadow BID Board is now leading the development of the BID, and the early feedback from businesses shows there is genuine appetite for a coordinated approach to improving safety, vibrancy and confidence.
“This is a positive moment for Swindon, and we will continue to support businesses as they shape what the BID could deliver.”
Laura said: “Swindon’s business community has shown real willingness to engage with this process, and that has been reflected in the strong early feedback.
“Our role now is to listen carefully, understand the priorities that matter most, and build a proposal that genuinely supports businesses across the town centre and Old Town.
“The enthusiasm we are hearing gives me confidence that a well-designed BID can make a tangible difference.”
Kris said: ““The message we are hearing from businesses is consistent: they want a safer, more active and more confident town.
“A BID gives us the opportunity to work together and invest in those improvements collectively.
“The Old Town Businesses Association have been part of this conversation from the start, and the upcoming poll will give a clear indication of how they want to be involved.
“Our focus is on building something credible, accountable and genuinely business-led.”
The project is currently around halfway through its planning stage with a ballot of all eligible members set for the new year.
The new BID would replace InSwindon which ran for 16 years before folding in 2023.
Photo: Ross Bisley / Dronie Productions
