Altrincham votes for becoming BID zone
BUSINESSES in Altrincham, Greater Manchester have voted to establish a Business Improvement District (BID) in the town centre.
The move will create a fund of more then £1.4m to spend on projects designed to enhance the town centre, increase football and improve business performance over the next five years.
Businesses voted with a 68% majority and 74% by rateable value. The turnout of 44% was above the national average for a BID ballot.
Cllr Sean Anstee, chair of Altrincham Forward and leader of Trafford Council said: “This is a brilliant result that will help to continue the momentum in Altrincham town centre, building on the work and investment that has gone into the town over the past few years.”
Martin Duff, chair of the BID Steering Group and owner of Randalls Jewellers said: “Businesses will now have the ability and resources to work together to implement the projects and events detailed within the Altrincham BID Business Plan.
“This will give us a platform to really make a difference to how Altrincham town centre is perceived, make it more attractive to visitors so they keep coming back, and to improve the business environment.
“The BID Steering Group will now work towards appointing a BID manager and a new board to oversee the BID. This will contain an even mix of representatives from various business sectors within the town centre as well as other key stakeholders to ensure everyone benefits.”
The new BID company will be formally launched on April 1 2016 at which point projects including marketing campaigns, safety and security initiatives, events and negotiating joint procurement deals designed to save businesses money.
