Belfast votes to become business improvement district

Belfast’s traders have voted for the city centre to become a Business Improvement District (BID) following a ballot, which closed on October 29.

The scheme will see local businesses contribute to a central pot, used to improve the area’s security and appearance, and pay for promotional activities and social media initiatives.

Retailers and businesses of all sizes voted in favour of the scheme by a majority of 84 per cent, with the voting weighted based on rateable value.

Chris Suitor, chair of the Belfast One BID Task Group said: “This is a strong vote of confidence from the businesses who trade here and who clearly see the city’s potential for change.

“The investment from local businesses will be used to improve our area, contribute towards a more successful and profitable future, making the city centre better for customers and businesses alike.”

The successful vote sees Belfast follow the precedent set by Ballymena, who became Northern Ireland’s first BID earlier this year.

There are over 200 schemes already in operation around the UK.

The Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) welcomed the vote, and its chief executive Glyn Roberts said: “NIIRTA has long campaigned for the establishment of BIDs in Northern Ireland and we are delighted that Belfast City Centre traders have shown real leadership for their city by voting in favour of the proposed scheme.
“BIDs are about giving town centre traders more power to shape their town centres making them more attractive places to visit for consumers.
“Both Belfast and Ballymena have now successfully voted in favour of BIDS and we hope that other towns and cities will follow their lead.”

ENDS