Business district plans for Stourbridge 'progressing well' after yes vote
Organisers behind the Stourbridge BID say they're making good early progress as they prepare to take on a manager to oversee the scheme.
A ballot of town centre businesses held last year saw 77% vote in favour of creating a Stourbridge Business Improvement District(BID), which organisers say will secure around £835,000 to be spent on supporting businesses and improving the town centre.
Following the vote, the steering group behind the proposal says it's focussed on laying the groundwork for the scheme ahead of an official launch in April.
"The last few years have been extremely challenging for businesses with the COVID pandemic, soaring energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis to contend with," said steering group chair Aaron Powell.
"A BID in Stourbridge will give us a mechanism to pull different organisations, businesses, and agencies together from the private, public, and voluntary sectors so that we can work as one in developing our town centre and its reputation as an attractive, vibrant, historical, market town.
"As the formal commencement of the BID isn't until 1st April 2025, the steering group is currently focused on setting up the company structure and governance framework. While it's still early days, we're progressing well with these initial steps."
A business improvement district scheme sees businesses working together to improve the town centre and market it as an attractive place to work and visit. There are around 350 such schemes already in operation in other areas across the country.
With effect from April, the steering group behind the scheme says the project will focus on showcasing and promoting the town centre as a vibrant destination with a strong identity, with a welcoming and safe environment.
The scheme will also promote a "positive and collaborative business environment", with support on hand for businesses to form partnerships within the town centre.
"Looking ahead, our next key milestone will be the recruitment of a BID Manager," added Mr Powell.
"This individual will play a central role in managing and delivering the projects outlined in our Business Plan for the town, ensuring we stay on track with our goals."
