The Redcliffe and Temple area of Bristol is to become the city’s sixth business improvement district (BID) after firms voted in favour of the scheme.
The commercial hub, next to the floating harbour, is home to a number of major employers including law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, Barclays and the Hilton Hotel Bristol City Centre.
Hundreds of businesses in the area were invited to vote on the BID - a business-funded body which improves an area of a city - and of the 47.6% turnout, 89% were in favour. The scheme will start on June 1.
Destination Bristol, which already operates Bristol's Broadmead and City Centre BIDs, was behind the proposals.
All eligible businesses will contribute an annual levy that is expected to generate £5m for the area over five years. The amount businesses pay will depend on their business rates.
The money will be used to develop projects that benefit businesses, including:
Creating a strong brand and identity for the area
Developing a marketing strategy which would position the area as Bristol’s ambitious business destination
Creating green spaces and outdoor seating
Funding additional cleaning
Bringing businesses together to focus on sustainability initiatives
Introducing recycling facilities
Supporting sustainable travel with a bike mechanic and bike storage
Networking events
Lobbying on behalf of businesses in the area
Events and workshops
The proposals also include establishing links with local police to reduce crime and extending TAP Bristol - a tap-to-donate scheme in the city which is aimed at helping homeless people - to the area.
“We are thrilled with the strong mandate and we 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,” said Jo Hawkins, Redcliffe and Temple BID development manager.
“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.”
