Town centre businesses in Wilmslow have backed ambitious plans to create a new Business Improvement District (BID).
The idea – worth £1million over the next five years – was set in motion by So Cheshire editor and Wilmslow Business Group board member Richard Price.
Wilmslow businesses voted in favour of the plans in a ballot held over the past month following the successful trial of a town centre management group, funded by Wilmslow Town Council.
The proposals were approved by 74% by number and 85% by rateable value, giving a strong mandate for the town’s first BID.
The concept is also pioneering more widely, as it is the first BID in Cheshire East.
It’s understood Crewe and Macclesfield are also exploring the idea of introducing a BID area – which would follow in Wilmslow’s footsteps, along with others including Northwich and Chester in the west of the county.
BIDs are business-led partnerships which deliver projects and services to benefit businesses in an area for a limited time period, usually five years.
A small levy is charged to all eligible businesses in the area – and in Wilmslow town centre this will fund a range of initiatives to create an enhanced experience for consumers and visitors.
The aim is to improve the marketing and profile of Wilmslow and deliver services to support businesses grow and prosper.
The project has been supported by a private sector group of local companies including So Cheshire, Black White Denim, The Rex Cinema, Therapy Organics and The Grove.
It’s also been supported by national companies such as Sainsburys, Boots, and the Nationwide Building Society.
Jo Davies, is chair of the Wilmslow Town Centre Management Group.
She said: “The BID will give businesses a greater say in how Wilmslow town centre is managed and promoted, working closely with the council and other partners to improve Wilmslow, creating a more attractive and vibrant place to shop, work and visit.”
The development of the BID has been managed by Groundwork, a not-for-profit environmental trust established in Cheshire East in 1983.
Greville Kelly, from Groundwork, said: “I’m pleased to see the strong support shown from town centre businesses for backing the business-led £1 million investment over the next five years for the Wilmslow town centre BID.
“The BID promises a great opportunity for a new way to deliver a range of projects and improvements across the town centre, and reconnect it with new consumers from a range of demographics to create a thriving town centre for the future.”
Frank McCarthy, chair of the Wilmslow Town Council, voted against supporting the initial consultation required to prepare for Wilmslow BID, but spoke positively about the success of the ballot.
He said: “This is great news and represents a major change in how the town centre is managed.
“The town council have worked hard to support the recovery of the town centre post covid, and we are delighted to see businesses approving the proposal to create a BID for the town centre.”
Wilmslow BID
Wilmslow BID will begin in November 2022 and concentrate on three main themes that aim to deliver on the business’s ambitions to ensure that Wilmslow becomes ‘Way Better’
Its three themes are as follows:
Creating a ‘Way Better’ Experience for Consumers
Delivering more events and festivals, enhancing the look and feel of the town centre, tackling crime and delivering innovative projects that will revitalise the town centre.
Delivering ‘Way Better’ Marketing and Promotion
Building on the success of the Wilmslow’s Way Better brand launched in 2021, Wilmslow town centre will be marketed and promoted to more than 500,000 consumers across the North West.
‘Way Better’ Business
Ensuring that businesses have a stronger voice in the day to day management of the town centre, this work will also provide valuable business support and training opportunities whilst lobbying for improvements across the town centre.
