What is a BID?
A BID (a business improvement district) is a business-led, business-funded initiative to improve and enhance a commercial area - in our case, Eastbourne town centre. A BID can only be established if the majority of businesses vote for it.
In August 2015 we launched a feasibility report to assess support and determine the priorities for any future BID. Since then, we have spoken to over 300 businesses, both as 1-2-1 meetings or as group consultations with the overwhelming majority of businesses confirming their intention to back our BID.
During the BID ballot run in July, businesses voted "Yes" by 2 to 1 in a large turnout of 37%. A phenomenal result!
The Eastbourne BID has been developed after listening to how you want to see the town centre develop. It is the result of many hours of consultations, 1-2-1s, group meetings and surveys. We want to prevent a two-tier town centre; we want to ensure that all of the town benefits from the investments made and we want to ensure that Eastbourne is a destination visitors wish to come back to again and again.
Every penny raised will be invested in creating a strong trading environment that visitors want to return to again and again.
Now the real work begins!
Our Priorities
We will:
- Enhance the environment with striking winter lighting, signage, and impactful planted areas whilst creating an identity to promote Eastbourne's independent shopping areas; like Little Chelsea, Terminus Road, Cornfield, Langney and Bolton Roads
- Support and run events that will help increase footfall to our town
- Introduce family friendly street ambassadors at peak times and a business crime warden to make our town safer
- Lobby all levels of Government to ensure the needs of our town centre are heard
5 year plan
BIDs last for five years following ballot. After the 5 years, businesses have the chance to decide whether or not to renew. In Eastbourne’s case, the levy would be 1.5% of a premises rateable value with an exemption for properties below £6000.
The Business Plan
We have listened carefully to what you said is important to your business and we have carried out business surveys and consultations to make sure we understand what is important to you. As a result we have set the goals Your Eastbourne BID would aim to achieve in this business plan.
Ashley Pugh
W Brufords
“Our town centre has a bright future and real opportunity with the investment being made in the extension to the Beacon and we now have a real chance to capitalise on this.”
Diana Hing
Closs & Hamblin
“Imagine an organisation that supports, really supports business in our town. Imagine people who listen to our views and get things done here, in Eastbourne.”
Andre Brincat
M&S Manager
“Eastbourne is incredibly lucky to have so many initiatives coming together, all within a short space of time. If we can work together this can be an exciting time for our town centre."