Jewellery Quarter BID is music to the ears of Jam House boss
THE bid to have Business Improvement District status conferred on Birmingham’s historic Jewellery Quarter is music to the ears of one of the area’s best-known venues.
John Bunce, managing director of The Jam House on St Paul’s Square, said he believed the move would help add to the vibrancy of the area and make it a more attractive place to visit.
The Jewellery Quarter BID, which is being led by the Jewellery Quarter Development Trust (JQDT) in partnership with Birmingham City Council, aims to attract investment, increase visitor numbers and encourage a more exciting economy by making the quarter a better place in which to invest.
More than 500 businesses in the area are being asked to support the initiative, which will see companies with premises with a rateable value of £10,000 or above pay an annual levy of 2% to fund additional investment for the benefit of the whole area.
The voting ballot runs until May 24.
Mr Bunce, who is also a director of the Jewellery Quarter Association (JQA) and sits on the BID Steering Group, said: “The Jewellery Quarter is a community that is constantly growing and the dynamics are changing on a regular basis. The area, well known for its manufacturing and jewellery industries, is also fast becoming a popular location for creative businesses, such as architects and designers, and residents.
“In the past, I have been frustrated with the lack of support from the City Council, for example when they have left roads and pavements unrepaired or broken signs have not been replaced. By becoming a Business Improvement District (BID), local businesses can set an agenda and priorities that meet their needs and get things done.”
He is now campaigning for businesses in the quarter to take a greater responsibility for their area and to take pride in its appearance.
“All businesses need to ensure the outside of their premises is kept clean. We all have to take some responsibility for the area in which we work and live. Undoubtedly, a successful BID will encourage businesses to work together and take pride in their area,” he said.
Confirmation the police station will remain in the Jewellery Quarter has come as a welcome relief to many businesses in the area, he added.
“I’m confident that the BID will help to preserve and enhance the pleasant surroundings and safe environment that we already have in the Jewellery Quarter, to make it a destination that people want to visit – whether it’s for its heritage, jewellery or nightlife,” he said.
The BID area has been defined as the zone bounded by the Jewellery Quarter side of Great Charles Street, Livery Street, Great Hampton Street, Key Hill Drive, Icknield Street, Sandpits/The Parade and Summer Row.
