Rochdale Business Improvement District launched

Rochdale Business Improvement District (BID) officially launched its operations on 1 April 2019, signifying the start of £1.4million worth of investment to improve the area over the next five years.

The BID represents 200 businesses in Rochdale town centre and was formed as a result of the yes vote back in November 2018, whereby 75.96% of votes cast voted in favour of the BID by total number of businesses, and 87.76% of votes cast voted in favour of the BID by rateable value, with a 52.5% turnout.

From 1 April 2019, businesses with a rateable value of £12,000 or above will pay an annual levy of 1.75% of their business rates, creating a collective fund to spend on projects to improve the local trading environment through the provision of added value services over the next five years.

Paul Ambrose, Rochdale BID Manager, said: “I am incredibly proud to be taking on this role in my home town. Having lived and worked in the town for the majority of my life, I am mindful of the challenges facing businesses and the town centre as a whole, and I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to help shape its future.”

“BIDs are increasingly influential in shaping change through partnership working and one of the key benefits of the BID will be its ability to build partnerships across a huge range of sectors, to help deliver ambitious projects and support businesses.”

The Rochdale BID vision is ‘To create a safe, vibrant and attractive town centre that has a sense of identity, which is family orientated and welcoming to all’. To achieve this vision businesses have identified four key priority areas:

1.      Lively and well promoted

To create a vibrant town centre which has a strong sense of identity and a positive awareness locally, regionally and nationally.

2.      Safe, Secure and Accessible

To create a safe, secure and accessible town centre for visitors, residents and people working in the town centre to explore.

3.      Smart and Attractive

To maintain and develop an attractive environment for visitors, residents and people working in the town centre to enjoy.

4.      A great business, leisure and cultural offer

To encourage the growth, development and investment of businesses and organisations which support the development of Rochdale’s identity. 

Mr Ambrose continued: “We will provide energy, showcase the town, represent businesses, build partnerships and help to make things happen, ensuring the BID is at the heart of activity in the town centre. There are several BID events and initiatives that we will be coordinating during the first year and things have got off to a flying start with new town centre events, such as the Time Machine and the FIFA 19 eSports confirmed, there is plenty to look forward to”.

“It is evident from other BIDs across the country, that the more businesses get involved in BID activities the greater the benefits they receive, so please do make contact with us. For individual businesses there will be opportunities to take advantage of events, promotions and activities, cost savings and training. For those that wish to influence decision making, there are positions on the Board of Directors and we are always open to feedback in any form.”

“Finally, I wish to thank the BID Businesses and partners for your support and investment in the town and I look forward to working with you in the future.”

The full Rochdale 2019-24 business plan can be read on the Rochdale BID website:

• www.rochdalebid.co.uk