City Business Improvement District launches vision for next five years

Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID) is today revealing its Business Plan for 2025-2030.

At an event hosted at the Queens Hotel, LeedsBID will outline its proposals to levy paying businesses in the city.

The event marks just under a month until the ballot opens on 11 October, where levy payers will have the opportunity to vote for LeedsBID to continue its work into a third term.

Established in 2015, the not-for-profit, non-political organisation works to improve Leeds city centre. It is the largest multi-sector BID outside London, investing £14m into the city centre from 2020-2025.

Its plan for the next five years revolves on themes to ensure a “Welcoming”, “Inspirational” and “Ambitious” city.

A major component of the plan, in recognition of the city’s growth, is a proposed extension to the BID boundary, ensuring it covers key areas from the ring road in the north to Crown Point Road in the south, and from Wellington Street and Holbeck in the west to Quarry Hill and Leeds Dock in the east.

This expansion will see LeedsBID represent 790 businesses in its third term, and incorporate major new developments around the river, including the Royal Armouries and Aire Park – the largest new city centre green space in the UK.

It aims to capitalise on the city’s riverfront assets, acting as a catalyst for new initiatives which maximise opportunities for the riverside.

Nat Edwards, director general and Master of the Royal Armouries in Leeds, said: “The Royal Armouries is excited to be part of this transformative vision for Leeds.

“The proposed Park and Glide service is a brilliant example of how we can enhance connectivity and visitor experience, linking our historic site with the vibrant city centre.”

LeedsBID will also host the largest continuous outdoor projection onto The Queens Hotel in the UK this Christmas over an 11-day period.

Last year half a million visitors came into the city to see the Christmas projection with nearby retailers reporting an uplift of 40% in takings.

Andrew Cooper

Andrew Cooper, chief executive of LeedsBID, said: “We are excited to present our next chapter, which builds on the success of the past 10 years and focuses on making Leeds an even more welcoming, inspirational, and ambitious city.

“We are asking businesses to continue to support and endorse the work of LeedsBID as we drive further positive change.

“LeedsBID is unique in its ability to bring people together for the improvement of our city.”

Key pillars of the plan include:

• Welcoming: LeedsBID will focus on ensuring the city remains clean, safe, and friendly through ongoing initiatives such as Street Rangers and welcome teams.
• Inspirational: With major events like Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI), summer attractions, and festive projections, LeedsBID aims to create experiences that will drive footfall and solidify Leeds as a key destination.
• Ambitious: Continuing to support bold projects, LeedsBID will work with businesses and stakeholders to launch new initiatives, strengthen business voices, and differentiate Leeds on the national stage.

LeedsBID has an annual £2.5m budget. It notes that every £1 spent by the BID delivers an additional 20p in value to the city. The results of the LeedsBID Ballot will be released on 8 November.