The importance of voting YES

Ben Boothman from The Flying Horse and Michael Webster from Boots support the Rochdale BID

Businesses across Rochdale are in the middle of a 28 day ballot to establish the town centre as a Business Improvement District.

Lorenzo O’Reilly, Centre manager of the Exchange Shopping Centre and Chair of the Rochdale BID Development Steering Group, said, ‘At a time when there is so much economic uncertainty, we are in a privileged position of having an opportunity in Rochdale for businesses to influence and shape the future of the town centre for the benefit of everyone’

‘A Business Improvement District provides us with an opportunity to forge even stronger links between us and work on projects which we initiate and which are important to us as committed and hardworking business people. Towns and cities across the UK are changing rapidly and we need to ensure that Rochdale does not get left behind but takes advantage of its unique position in terms of its attractive environment, its cultural heritage and the strength of its people through their passion for the town’.

The plan which has a budget of £1.5 million over the next five years has a vision of creating ‘a safe, vibrant and attractive town centre that has a sense of identity, which is family orientated and welcoming to all’. The delivery plan consists of four objectives all with a range of activities and practical initiatives aimed to improve the overall experience of the town centre and promote the town to people who live further away.

The yearly income to deliver the various projects will be made up of around £260,000 from the levy revenues from all businesses in the town centre and a sum averaging £25,000 from voluntary, private and public-sector contributions. Once BIDs are operational many are able to attract even more revenue from grant funds and even commercial activity to use to deliver improvements to the town centre and benefits to the businesses.

“This plan provides us with a clear direction for a new exciting era in Rochdale”. said Lorenzo. “I urge you to get involved and work together for the future of the town and our businesses by voting YES in the ballot”.

If you are a business in Rochdale town centre and would like more information about the BID please contact

Paul Ambrose

E: paul@rochdaletcm.co.uk or enquiries@rochdalebid.co.uk

T: 01706 926677

W: www.rochdalebid.co.uk