BID proposed for Trafford Park and progressed in Carlisle
Both Trafford Council and Cumberland Council are looking to set up business improvement districts to drive economic growth, with one further down the process than the other.
Trafford Council
Trafford Council has appointed a Groundwork-led consortium of regeneration and economic development experts, including architects MCAU and placemaker Fourth Street to carry out a feasibility study to explore how local businesses, the council, and private sector partners could combine forces to boost economic activity in the area.
The study is exploring whether the BID model, or an alternative, could be used to drive investment into Trafford Park.
A study carried out by Arup in 2023, named the Greening Trafford Park project, recommended that a BID be set up as a viable mechanism to address long-term sustainability challenges that Trafford Park will eventually face.
In addition, the Siemens Low Carbon Trafford Park 2038 study has set out a range of interventions to reduce Trafford Park’s carbon emissions.
The establishment of a business improvement district would allow partners to tackle these pending challenges head-on.
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Groundwork is leading the feasibility study and is actively seeking feedback.
The consultation aims to identify the key priorities for improving the area’s local trading environment and Trafford Park.
It will also seek opinions on future business needs to support the continuing growth and sustainability of Trafford Park and its business community.
Carlisle
On 28 November, Cumberland Council unanimously voted to set up a BID for the city, a plan which was backed by 128 local businesses.
The result means the proposal to create a BID will go ahead and will be in place over a five-year period between 1 February 2026 and 31 January 2031.
A statement from Cumberland Council said: “Cumberland Council and the Cumberland BID Company are now responsible for implementing the BID arrangements.
“The council’s responsibility includes managing the billing, collecting the levy, and holding the levy in a ring-fenced revenue account on behalf of the BID body.”
The levy is to be used to deliver a five-year programme to boost the town’s commercial success. The programme set out comprises four focuses:
- Animation: developing and delivering an annual programme of festivals, public art, and cultural events to boost footfall and civic pride.
- Marketing: developing and delivering strategic campaigns to position Carlisle as a destination for tourism, investment, and talent.
- Supporting businesses: developing and delivering tailored services for start-ups and SMEs, including training, networking, and advocacy.
- Improving livability: developing and delivering projects to enhance public spaces, safety, and wellbeing to attract and retain skilled workers.s
“Cumberland Council and the Cumberland BID Company are now responsible for implementing the BID arrangements. The council’s responsibility includes managing the billing, collecting the levy and holding the levy in a ring-fenced revenue account on behalf of the BID body”, the council statement added.
One thing the Trafford BID needs to look at is how the park is improving the Park’s presentation. It’s currently constantly covered in litter which is quite a contrast to similar Industrial and Commercial parks on the continent. All of the verges and grassed central reservations are covered in the stuff, and when it is cleared once in a blue moon the Council does the bare minimum with litter left under bushes etc, and that doesnt create a good impression for visitors. But then again this is the UK where 50% will happily litter and the relevant authorities will spend more time and energy arguing why they cannot do anything about it instead of putting in place a competent litter picking regime.
By Anonymous