Bristol starts consulting on new and expanded BID plan

Consultation has started on a new and expanded landmark Bristol BID, which will "unlock new potential" for the south west city.

With an investment of around £17 million (m) over five years, the proposed BID aims to unite the existing Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID under one umbrella.

If approved by businesses, the new BID will launch in November next year.

Business improvement districts (BIDs), of which there are over 340 in the UK, are areas where extra services are provided aimed at improving the experience for businesses, shoppers and staff. They are time limited to five years

The proposed Bristol BID aims to streamline resources, boost investment and amplify the voice of over 1,000 businesses - similar to the operating model of other major UK cities including Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.

Consolidating the three BIDs, it said, will formalise existing successful collaborations such as the Bristol Light Festival, TAP for Bristol and the Business Crime Reduction Partnership.

The full consultation document can be read HERE.

There will be four delivery aims to the BID plan - each designed to benefit businesses, residents and visitors. These are namely, experiences and promotion, which will focus on driving footfall and enhancing reputation.

There is also safe and supported communities, which will expand existing initiatives like the business crime reduction partnership, clean and welcoming, which includes extending graffiti removal and jet washing services to new areas.

Finally, a focus on sustainable and green, the BID aims to cement its role in leading the way in sustainability through undertaking large-scale greening projects, establishing new green spaces and supporting sustainable travel options including the popular Dr Bike scheme.

By unifying the three BIDs and expanding the footprint, the proposed new Bristol BID will increase investment from £11 million to around £17 million over five years.

It will also unlock over £500,000 in savings, creating a more efficient and cost-effective model to reinvest in city initiatives, it said.

The BID is also consulting on two levy options of 1.75% and 1.9% and only those businesses with a rateable value of £30,000 or more will pay the levy.

Steve Bluff, director of Redcliffe & Temple BID, said: "The proposed Bristol BID is a strategic move that will unlock new potential for our city.

"It allows us to streamline resources, reduce duplication and create a more powerful voice for businesses.

"By working collectively, we can address challenges more effectively and deliver greater value for all those that work, visit and live in the city."

Consultations with businesses are underway and a formal ballot is scheduled for June, 2025, with the new BID set to launch on November 1 next year if it passes.