Firms in central Bristol are being consulted on a plan to merge the three Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) covering the area in a move that they say would leverage more funding to drive economic growth.
The Bristol City Centre, Redcliffe & Temple and Broadmead BIDs claim by uniting and also expanding their footprint they would be able to increase investment from £11m to around £17m over five years. 
This would not only significantly boost the city’s capacity to deliver high-impact projects to drive business growth – particularly in the vital hospitality sector – but also improve public spaces and boost the visitor experience, including in the night-time economy.
Combining the three BIDs would also unlock savings of more than £500,000 and create a more-efficient and cost-effective model, they argue.
It would also amplify the collective voice of more than 1,000 businesses, similar to the model used in other major UK cities, including Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.
They proposal has gone out to consultation, with businesses in the areas covered being given an opportunity to shape the plan.
A formal ballot is scheduled for June next and, if approved, the new ‘super-BID’ would launch on 1 November 2025.
BIDs were launched in the UK 20 years ago as a way for businesses to work together – and pay towards – making improvements to the area in which they operate over an above that provided by often cash-strapped local authorities. 
Services can range from seating, cleaning and signage to night marshals and, increasingly, to arts and cultural events that bring in visitors.
More than 320 BIDs are now operating in the UK, with five in Bristol – the three covering the central area, one in Bedminster and one in Clifton Village. 
A BID covering Gloucester Road ended in 2019 following a ballot in which a majority of its businesses chose not to continue with it, while the BID at Cater Business Park in Bishopsworth, South Bristol was dissolved last year.
The three Bristol BIDs covering the central area have already successfully collaborated on a number of initiatives, including the Bristol Light Festival, pictured, top, which was established in 2020 to showcase Bristol as a vibrant, playful and creative city which this year attracted more than 275,000 visitors, TAP for Bristol, which makes it easy to raise funds for homeless people, and the Business Crime Reduction Partnership. 
The new enlarged Bristol BID would focus on four core delivery themes – Experiences & Promotion, Safe & Supported Communities, Clean & Welcoming and Sustainable & Green.
Bristol City Centre BID director Vicky Lee, pictured, left, with Redcliffe & Temple BID director Steve Bluff and Broadmead BID director Vivienne Kennedy, said: “This is a vital investment in the future of our city. The additional funds will enable us to deliver more value through impactful projects that create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant city for everyone.
“By coming together, we ensure that every business – large or small – reaps the rewards of a thriving, prosperous Bristol.”
For further information or to share feedback, visit bit.ly/BristolBID
