Approval renewed for another five years for business improvement district
LeedsBID (Leeds Business Improvement District) has been voted in for another five years.
In ballot results, 98% of voters backed renewing the Business Improvement District for a third term, which will run from April 2025 to March 2030.
LeedsBID has ambitious plans to invest £18.2m back into the city centre over the next five years through projects, events and activities.
It is the largest multi-sector Business Improvement District outside London and the city’s largest business voice, representing nearly 700 businesses from office, retail, leisure and hospitality, public and education sectors.
Over a four-week period (10 October to 7 November) levy paying businesses were asked to vote for another five-year term of LeedsBID as well as plans to extend the BID boundary to cover 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 in line with a growing city centre.
This expansion will see LeedsBID incorporate major new developments around the river, including the Royal Armouries and Aire Park, providing the opportunity to capitalise on the city’s riverfront assets.
LeedsBID chief executive, Andrew Cooper, said: “Thank you to all the city centre businesses who have supported and voted for our Chapter 3 business plan for 2025-2030.
“We are pleased to receive such positive and overwhelming endorsement. We are excited and committed in putting Leeds first, driving the improvement of the city centre and creating positive transformation.
“My thanks also go to the energy and commitment of the LeedsBID team who have been unwavering in their delivery of high-quality projects, events, festivals, and day-to-day services that benefit all city centre businesses.”
Now in its 10th year, LeedsBID brings an annual investment of £2.5m to Leeds city centre, through its projects, events, and activities.
Evaluation over the last 9 years of its free street animations including three Leeds Jurassic Trails and this year’s MONOPOLY Leeds Takeover has resulted in increased footfall which has generated millions in additional value for the local economy.
