Plans for a Canterbury Business Improvement District (BID) have been strongly endorsed by city centre traders.
Canterbury Connected BID has been successful at ballot with a turnout of 54%, voting in favour by number 64% and voting in favour by rateable value 61%. Canterbury city centre from October will see £2.5m invested in improvements such as Christmas lights, floral displays, marketing campaigns and street cleaning over the next five years.
Clive Relf, Chairman of the Canterbury Connected BID Shadow Board, said: “This vote in favour of the BID means we have a real opportunity to transform the centre of the city, for the benefit of everyone.
“The ballot result is a real endorsement of the high quality business plan we put together and I am grateful to the many individuals and organisations who pledged their support and worked so hard to achieve this success.”
“I urge all businesses in the city to get involved with the BID – whether by standing for membership of the Board, providing feedback on our proposals or offering their expertise and helping to make sure our initiatives are a success. Together we can make a difference.”
Following the BID vote, the current Shadow Board will continue in an interim capacity until elections are held for a permanent Board in February 2015.
In the meantime, the Board, which is made up of a cross-section of city centre businesses including independent traders, professional practices, educational establishments and the cathedral, will progress a number of initiatives. These include enhanced street cleaning, bulk purchasing of utilities to help reduce costs for individual businesses and a Christmas lights display.
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For further media information, please contact Bob Jones on 07799 844165 or Lucy Martin on 07718 702091.
