Borough council champions five more years of Business Improvement District to drive town centre regeneration
A commitment to the regeneration and prosperity of Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre by supporting a further five-year term for an improvement partnership has been made by the borough council.
The council is organising a formal ballot for Business Improvement District members, giving local businesses the opportunity to vote on the continuation of the initiative, which has already delivered significant improvements over the past decade.
Regenerating Newcastle town centre is a top priority for the borough council. The BID has played a pivotal role in revitalising the area, supporting business growth, and creating a welcoming, safe, and attractive environment for residents, visitors, and investors.
Extending the BID for another five years will ensure that this momentum continues, helping to secure a sustainable future for the town centre economy.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is responsible for facilitating the BID ballot, providing business rates data, and, if successful, collecting and passing on a BID levy – paid by each business in the defined area. The council will also continue to work in partnership with the BID to deliver improvements and ensure businesses see the benefits of their investment.
The BID’s new five-year plan sets out three main objectives:
- To promote and showcase Newcastle-under-Lyme by raising its profile as a great place to visit, invest, work and study
- Create a welcoming, safe, and attractive town
- Support businesses by providing a collective voice, supporting skills development and informing decision making
Simon Tagg, leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and portfolio holder for one council, people and partnerships, said:
It is one of the top priorities of the borough council to support and be part of the ongoing regeneration and transformation of Newcastle town centre. The Business Improvement District has played an integral role in making it a more vibrant, attractive, and prosperous place for everyone.
By supporting the BID for another five years, we are investing in the future of our town and ensuring that local businesses continue to have a strong voice in shaping its direction. I’d urge all eligible businesses to take part in the ballot and help us build on the BID’s success.”
Borough council cabinet members reaffirmed their commitment to a further five-year term for the BID at their meeting on Tuesday 14 October.
Since its launch in 2015, the BID, with the support of local business owners and partners, has invested more than £4.5m into projects and initiatives for the town centre. Businesses pay a levy to fund the BID and its many projects, which include street cleaning, animating public spaces, boosting skills and training and welcoming visitors.