Ballymena BID bid backed
Ballymena is now Northern Ireland’s first Business Improvement District (BID) after local traders voted to support the plan to develop the area’s town centre.
The project will see the introduction of a Ballymena town app, shop front improvements, promotions, and enhanced security, all paid for by local retailers and businesses.
Social Development minister Mervyn Storey welcomed the move.
He said: “By voting in favour of a BID, businesses in Ballymena have shown their commitment to the continuous improvement of their town and have agreed to come together as a collective to fund an agreed package of improvements.
“I congratulate everyone involved for their hard work in achieving this.”
Ballymena is the first of seven areas to successfully prepare for and vote for the setting up of a BID.
Minister Storey added: “Through working with the Northern Ireland BIDs Academy established by my department, the Ballymena BID has received invaluable support from experienced practitioners who have overseen the establishment of successful BIDs in many other towns and cities in the UK.
“I wish the Ballymena BID well and look forward to hearing how it progresses.”
Also welcoming the news, chief executive of Northern Ireland’s Independent Retailers Association, Glyn Roberts, said: “NIIRTA has long campaigned for the establishment of BIDs in Northern Ireland and we are delighted that Ballymena traders have shown real leadership for their town, by voting in favour of the proposed scheme”
