Winchester’s businesses have voted in favour of a third term of the Business Improvement District (BID). The outcome of the Winchester BID ballot was revealed this morning by Winchester City Council, the Ballot Holder. The overall result was 77.3% in favour by number of businesses, 86.8% in favour by rateable value, with a turnout of 40.5%.
Over the last decade, Winchester businesses have invested £5 million pounds through the payment of an annual levy, to create an exciting and successful business community for their customers, shoppers and staff, and residents and visitors to the city.
The BID has now successfully delivered two business plans over the two previous terms of five years respectively. The most recent included the delivery of projects to; better promote Winchester as a vibrant and cultural destination, improve the public realm, develop intelligence partnerships to create a safer environment, and provide support and guidance for city centre businesses.
The third term of the BID will begin on 1 April 2018. In the meantime, the BID team are busy preparing the city for the festive season ahead, with many decorations already installed ready for the switch-on ceremony on Thursday 16th November.
Catherine Turness, Executive Director of Winchester BID commented:
“Feedback from BID Members has determined our mandate and it is heartening that they have voted to support a vision for a further five years. With both the Central Winchester Regeneration and Station Approach developments within the BID area, the BID Board will continue to provide a strong, bold voice for business and to feedback Members’ aspirations for the changing local landscape to secure a stronger future for the city”.
In the New Year, the BID Board will review its governance structure to allow more Members to join and subsequently an Annual General Meeting will be held in the spring. We then look forward to delivering the new Business Plan from April.
