Broad Street and Brindleyplace businesses have voted a
resounding 'yes' in a ballot to decide on the renewal of the highly
successful Business Improvement District (BID) initiative for the
area.
Results announced today showed that 94 per cent of those who
voted backed the BID to continue as the driving force behind
regeneration in the area for the next five years.
This sets a new record for the biggest mandate achieved in a
renewal ballot in the UK.
The Broad Street BID was established in 2005 after an initial
ballot saw 92 per cent of businesses vote for the scheme.
The vote gives the go-ahead for the BID, working with Birmingham
City Council and other partners, to take forward a business plan
which will directly deliver over £2 million of investment to
directly benefit local business over the next five years. The
BID is funded by a levy collected alongside Business Rates.
The BID levy will fund a range of initiatives to improve the
physical environment and the experience for businesses, employees
and visitors in the area with clear priorities and action for:
• Further enhancement for the area, taking forward the
success of the initial BIDs 'brighter, safer, cleaner' agenda
• Actively lobbying for the delivery of a new rapid
transport solution system for the Broad Street and Westside
area
• Promoting the area for inward investment, new office
occupiers, hotels etc to help broaden the appeal of Broad
Street
• To continue to support the Westside initiative
Gary Taylor, Chairman of the Broad Street BID, said "Today's
announcement is a fantastic vote of confidence in the achievements
of the BID to date and our ambitious plans for the future. It
goes to prove that what we do works for the area and most
importantly for the people in the area.
"BIDs represent a very significant advance in how local areas
are run and managed, enabling businesses to play a more central
role in maintaining their local environment and developing its
future. The Broad Street BID has seen much success and
significantly improved the area for the good of the businesses and
those that visit and enjoy the location. BID2 will see this success
continue and I would like to thank the businesses for their
invaluable support over the last four years".
Mike Olley, Broad Street Manager, added: "It's very gratifying
to know that the businesses we have represented for close to five
years appreciate the transformation that we have all achieved. I
personally feel very touched by the positive response and solid
endorsements given to us from the business community.
"I know we've made Broad Street a better place, we talk a lot
about the massive reduction in crime rates, about how we've made
the area a lot safer, a lot cleaner and a lot brighter but to know
the businesses really believe in this to the extent that they put
their vote behind us is terrific. The reality of course is that it
is not just the BID that has made the difference, but the BID is
the driver behind the family that makes Broad Street the great
place that it is".
The latest ballot to renew the BID follows a review and
consultation process with businesses and partners to shape future
priorities.
During its initial four years, the BID has delivered a range of
initiatives to improve the environment and perception of the area.
Initiatives to reduce crime have resulted in a fall in the level of
crime of 50% by introducing street wardens and working proactively
with partners to make the most of initiatives such as taxi
marshalling and bringing together door supervisors with a radio
system to share intelligence.
The most high profile initiative introduced is the popular Walk
of Stars that celebrated its 13th award to actress Julie Walters on
the 27th October. The Walk of Stars has seen worldwide and UK media
attention. The media value of Ozzy Osbourne's star presentation was
independently assessed at a value of £1.72million.
A total of 287 voting papers went out to businesses in the area
in October, and the ballot closed on Thursday 12th November.