It’s a YES!

“New era for business” say supporters as key vote goes heavily in favour of Christchurch BID

A ballot of local businesses has confirmed the formation of a Business Improvement District (BID) in Christchurch.

A total of 78 per cent of levy payers voting in the ballot said ‘yes’ to the BID.

The ballot met two key criteria:

• 50 per cent of those voting would vote in favour
• The ‘yes’ votes represented a majority of the total rateable value of all of the voting businesses. In the event there was a majority 81.9 per cent rateable value percentage.

The ballot was facilitated and ratified with the assistance of BCP Council.

Results were announced by Cllr Philip Broadhead, BCP Council’s Deputy Leader.

Christchurch BID will now operate through to October 2026.

It is hoped that the new venture will bring in over £600,000 over the next five years to be spent on the town centre through a variety of business-led projects.

Cllr Broadhead, who is also BCP Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Economy and Strategic Planning, said: “Christchurch is an amazing town with a beautiful high street and strong local businesses, but we’ve all seen the impact that a changing retail market coupled with the pandemic has had.

“Christchurch BID will be hugely beneficial, ensuring longevity and prosperity for Christchurch’s town centre.

“With a resounding 78 per cent voting in favour of this initiative, levy payers have clearly demonstrated their strong commitment to progress their town even further.

“This will see Christchurch and its wonderful array of businesses continue to thrive in the coming years.’’

Lucy Filer, Chair of the Christchurch BID Development Board, pictured left, said: “Our objective is to make Christchurch town centre the best place for our visitors to enjoy and for our residents and traders to live and work in.

“We firmly believe that the result will allow local businesses to commit to the town safe in the knowledge that they will be supported in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

“This marks the beginning of a new era for business in Christchurch and one we are very much anticipating being a success.”