Bilston business move to bring in £500k
A new business scheme is being launched in Bilston that could generate £500,000 over the next five years.
The Bilston Business Improvement District (BID) project will mirror a programme seen in Wolverhampton city centre that involves business leaders coming together to improve an area in the hope it will attract more people.
The Robin 2 Club, the Sir Henry Newbolt Wetherspoon pub, Jennings Funeral Directors and Bilston Motor Spares are among the businesses involved.
They have formed a task group which also includes CeX, Cafe Metro, Coffee Express and Wolverhampton Homes.
Town centre marketing, parking, more CCTV and cleaner streets are among the group's main priorities.
Decisions will be made by task group members, who have been in discussions since October last year.
There could also be 'town ambassadors', while there are plans for a professional marketing campaign.
The plan goes before Wolverhampton City Council's cabinet tonight.
Members will be asked to recommend the plan, which is scheduled to be voted on in the summer.
If it goes through then £40,000 has been earmarked for the project in August.
The report states: "The BID Company Board will be recruited via an elected process and will be made up of representatives from town centre stakeholders covering all areas and all business sectors.
"Wolverhampton City Council will hold at least one seat on the Board.
"This is expected to raise £100,000 per annum over a five year period which will be managed by a newly established BID company and be invested in additional services in the town centre.
The BID's aims to ensure that the town centre remain and thrives as an attractive, vibrant, safe and secure town centre will ensure that the town remains accessible and inclusive for all."
The Wolverhampton BID became the first in the Black Country when it officially launched last month.
It will manage a budget of £3m over five years, funded by the levy on businesses which rises based on their sizes.
Last year around 700 firms voted in favour of going ahead with the new scheme.
Wolverhampton's main objectives include improving people's perceptions of the city by delivering a safe and clean and welcoming city centre, addressing issues of accessibility and attracting more shoppers.
Mander Centre manager Nicholas Pitt said at the launch, held at Wolverhampton Art Gallery: "There are many different perceptions about Wolverhampton and its not for me to say what they are but what is important is looking at positive future for Wolverhampton which is what everybody wants."
