News / Redcliffe and Temple BID
Redcliffe & Temple BID gets the go-ahead
Plans for a Redcliffe & Temple Business Improvement District (BID) have flown through the ballot process, with 89 per cent voting in their favour.
Those leading the initiative say they now have a strong mandate to support companies and organisations in the area to recover and thrive, with an anticipated £4m of investment expected to boost the entire neighbourhood.
Initially, the team quoted an estimated investment of £5m over the BID period from June 1 2021 to October 31 2025, but have since revised this to £4m.
The BID project has been a long time in the making and will see local businesses pay a levy to invest back into the fast-changing area, with the aim of implementing improvements for those who live and work there.
The Redcliffe & Temple BID boundary plan – courtesy of Redcliffe & Temple BID
Commenting on the successful vote, Redcliffe & Temple BID development manager Jo Hawkins said: “This is fantastic news for the Redcliffe and Temple area. Tom Swithinbank and I would like to thank all the businesses who have engaged with us, helped us shape our business plan and put their trust in the BID to help secure a great future for the area.
“Over the last very challenging year, BIDs throughout the UK have provided invaluable support for their businesses. With this strong endorsement, we can now support our businesses to recover and thrive in the years ahead. We look forward to welcoming people back to their offices when it is safe to do so and to helping our retail, leisure and hospitality businesses prosper.”
Of all votes cast, 89 per cent voted in favour of the BID, and 93.5 per cent by rateable value. The turnout was 47.6 per cent. All eligible businesses – irrespective of how they voted – will now be required to pay 1.5 per cent of their rateable value towards the BID. Those who already contribute to a managed space will receive a 50 per cent discount to account for the services that are already provided to them as part of their management charge.
The aim is to boost investment and generate improvements within the fast-changing BID area – photo courtesy of Redcliffe & Temple BID
The overall aim of the BID is to “create a dynamic business community that has a strong, representative voice”. The focus will be on managing and improving the public realm in the Redcliffe and Temple area, introducing events and ensuring there is a focus on sustainable initiatives, the local community and the wellbeing of staff.
The BID will be overseen by a voluntary board of local representatives, due to be implemented ahead of the start date of June 1 2021.
The plan so far has been shaped by an advisory board made up of 12 men and two women. The team told Bristol24/7 earlier in the year that they will aim to make the final Redcliffe & Temple BID board representative of the neighbourhood, which stretches just south of the river, past Temple Meads and down to Castle Park.
Main photo by Ellie Pipe
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