News / Bristol City Centre BID
Businesses urged to back unified Business Improvement District proposal
Businesses across Bristol are being encouraged to vote “Yes” to support a proposed unified strategy for the city’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).
Under the plans, the three existing BIDs – Bristol City Centre, Broadmead and Redcliffe & Temple, would merge to form a single, stronger and more coordinated BID, with the aim of “expanding coverage and amplifying services across the city.”
If approved, the combined approach is expected to unlock a £2.75m investment in city safety, crime prevention and wellbeing, as part of an overall £18m funding package under the single BID structure.
A unified BID is expected to unlock an investment package of £2.75m for city safety, crime prevention and wellbeing
The £2.75m safety investment will build on the success of the BID-led Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), which connects local businesses, police and the city council. Nationally accredited, the BCRP has made Bristol a leader in collaborative business safety, providing a strong basis for expansion under a unified BID.
Carmen Ceesay, Bristol BCRP manager, said: “Every day, we work side by side with businesses, police and support services to reduce crime and help those who are vulnerable.
“The recent national accreditation is a real boost and a testament to the power of collaboration. With a unified BID, we’ll be able to extend this support to more areas, scale up what works and bring added consistency to how we keep Bristol safe.”
“Every day, we work side by side with businesses, police and support services to reduce crime and help those who are vulnerable,” said Carmen Ceesay, Bristol BCRP manager
The leaders of BID have indicated that a YES vote would back new initiatives such as a dedicated Youth Services Officer, enhanced night-time safety measures and further development of the Safe Space Pilot, launched in December 2024 to provide a secure refuge for vulnerable people in the city centre during the small hours of the night.
Bristol’s BIDs have been key to the city retaining its Purple Flag status for the 15th year, recognising a safe, inclusive and well-managed night-time economy.
The joint efforts are expected to further bolster initiatives like the Women’s Safety Charter, NTE Grants and the popular Bristol Light Festival, which brought in £11m economic boost to the city this year.
Safety also underpins their broader commitment to wellbeing and inclusion. If approved, the new BID would strengthen partnerships with Neighbourly and Babbasa, promote inclusive workplace practices and expand TAP for Bristol, the contactless giving scheme that has raised over £155,000 for homelessness prevention since 2019.
TAP for Bristol has raised over £155,000 for homelessness prevention since 2019
Vivienne Kennedy, director of Broadmead BID, added: “A safe city is non-negotiable. We’re proud of the work we’ve delivered through our individual BIDs, but by aligning our efforts, we can go further and faster. This proposal allows us to think bigger, respond quicker and support businesses and communities across a wider area.”
The ballot is open to levy-paying businesses and runs until July 3, with results announced on July 4. If successful, the new Bristol BID will launch on November 1 2025.
For more information on the ballot and the proposals, www.bristolcitycentrebid.co.uk, www.redcliffeandtemplebid.co.uk and www.broadmeadbristolbid.co.uk
All photos: BID
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