Millions of pounds could be raised to regenerate the Redcliffe and Temple area of Bristol if it becomes a business improvement district (BID), according to the organisers behind the initiative.
Hundreds of businesses in the area will be invited to vote on the BID – a business-funded body which improves an area of a city – this month.
The Redcliffe and Temple iniative is being proposed by Destination Bristol, which already operates Bristol's Broadmead and City Centre BIDs.
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The ballot will open on March 18 and run until to April 15. If the BID is successful, all eligible businesses will contribute an annual levy that is expected to generate £5m for the area over five years. The money will be used to develop projects that benefit businesses.
“The aim is to make Redcliffe and Temple an inspirational, sustainable and welcoming place for businesses, employees, visitors and residents; for it to be known as a thriving commercial district and an outstanding community which all involved are proud to be a part of,” explained Jo Hawkins, Redcliffe and Temple BID development manager.
“The global pandemic has shone a light on many of the challenges already facing our city. The climate emergency has meant much more focus on how we can reduce pollution, encourage sustainable travel and generally reduce our impact on the environment.
“As businesses navigate a challenging future, a BID is seen as critical to help them recover from the effects of the pandemic by providing funds to deliver improvements which have been identified by the businesses within the proposed BID area.”
If the BID is successful, it will focus on
- creating and maintaining public space;
- improving the environment;
- creating a vibrant area of the city;
- connecting and representing businesses;
- and building a community.
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“Many of the projects in the business plan were identified before the pandemic and all focus on making the area a better place for everyone,” added Ms Hawkins.
“Like all city centres, Bristol will continue to evolve, it will remain a critical hub for people and for businesses.
“Although we are experiencing a very challenging period now with many currently working from home, people are keen to return to offices for at least part of the week and will need to be reassured that their surroundings are clean, safe and well-managed.
“The Redcliffe and Temple BID will give us the opportunity to work together towards a tangible and effective recovery.”
For more information about the proposed Redcliffe and Temple BID, please contact jo@redcliffeandtemplebid.co.uk or visit redcliffeandtemplebid.co.uk.