Businesses in Liverpool back £5m BID masterplan

Businesses in Liverpool have backed a £5m masterplan by the Liverpool BID (Business Improvement District) Company to make the city centre safer and cleaner.

The BID company secured a resounding 66% ‘yes’ vote on the month-long postal ballot from its levy payers for a further term of the Retail & Leisure BID in the city centre, which incorporates well-known areas such as Bold Street, Cavern Quarter, Church Street, Williamson Square, Clayton Square, Queen Square, St Johns and Metquarter.

The BID now includes new areas such as Renshaw Street, Victoria Street and the Bluecoat.

Set up in 2005, the Retail & Leisure BID, formerly City Central BID, will continue working for a fourth term, from November 1, 2018 to May 31, 2023, with the Liverpool BID Company delivering on the business plan to improve safety and cleansing and boost footfall through events and animation in the city centre.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson said: “We have one of the best BIDs in the country and it is fantastic news to hear that businesses have recognised the huge role Liverpool BID Company plays in supporting and promoting the city centre economy by voting yes for another term of Retail & Leisure BID.

“I look forward to working with Liverpool BID Company in our shared vision to enhance the city centre’s reputation as a great place to work, visit and live.”

Ian Strettle, centre manager at Clayton Square and chair of Retail & Leisure BID, said: “This is a fantastic vote of confidence from our levy payers in the retail and leisure community for the work Liverpool BID Company has done over the past 13 years and for our ambitions for the next term.

“We will now begin to roll out our business plan, working with our partners at Liverpool City Council, Merseyside Police and the private sector, to make the city centre a safer, cleaner and more thriving place.”

Jennina O’Neill, centre manager at the Metquarter retail centre, and deputy chair of Retail & Leisure BID, said: “This is not only a brilliant result for businesses in the city centre, but for customers and visitors who frequent our shops, restaurants and bars.

“We’re now in a strong position to drive the city centre forward together with the support of the Liverpool BID Company.”

Liverpool BID Company chief executive Bill Addy said: “We always listen to our levy payers and never take their vote for granted.

“We are delighted that they have voted yes for another term of the Retail & Leisure BID and promise to deliver on the business plan we set out – representing a £5m investment to support their trading environment.

“We have a big job to do and now we are going to get on and do it.”