Altrincham BID approved
Occupiers in Altrincham have voted to establish a Business Improvement District in the town centre, creating a five-year £1.4m fund through a mandatory 1.5% levy on business rates to be spent on measures to reduce the number of empty shops and attract people to the town centre.
The turnout of 44% was above the national average for a BID ballot. Businesses voted with a 68% majority and 74% by rateable value.
Cllr Sean Anstee, chairman of Altrincham Forward and leader of Trafford Council, said: “This is a brilliant result that will help to continue the momentum in Altrincham town centre, building on the work and investment that has gone into the town over the past few years.”
Martin Duff, chairman of the BID Steering Group and Owner of Randalls Jewellers, said: “Businesses will now have the ability and resources to work together to implement the projects and events detailed within the Altrincham BID Business Plan. This will give us a platform to really make a difference to how Altrincham town centre is perceived, make it more attractive to visitors so they keep coming back, and to improve the business environment.
“The BID Steering Group will now work towards appointing a BID Manager and a new Board to oversee the BID going forward. This will contain an even mix of representatives from various business sectors within the town centre as well as other key stakeholders to ensure everyone benefits.”
The new BID company will be formally launched on 1 April 2016 at which point activities will commence. Projects include marketing campaigns, safety and security initiatives, events and negotiating joint procurement deals designed to save businesses money.
