News / Bristol City Centre BID
Multi-million pound cultural investment to drive footfall in city centre
A fresh multi-million pound package that highlights and enhances Bristol’s cultural offerings is expected to boost footfall in the city centre.
The £5.7m package will be earmarked for investment in culture, events and destination marketing under the patronage of Bristol Business Improvement District (BID).
The proposed unified BID aims to transform the city centre with this fresh injection of investments. It marks the second stage of investment, following £4.4m allocated to improve cleanliness in the city centre.
Merging the existing City Centre, Redcliffe & Temple and Broadmead BIDs, the new initiative seeks to increase footfall, promote local businesses and enhance Bristol’s cultural identity.
The £5.7m package will be earmarked for investment in culture, events and destination marketing
Plans include expanding popular events like the Bristol Light Festival, supporting marketing campaigns with Visit Bristol, launching a new city centre shopping website and growing initiatives such as the Love Bristol Gift Card.
The Bristol Light Festival alone reportedly brought a whopping £11m into the local economy, attracting around 200,000 visitors during the much-anticipated annual event. The new plans to expand such events are expected to further bolster their economic impact.
There will also be increased support for other signature events, including the Harbour Festival and Bristol Cocktail Weekend.
New plans include growing initiatives such as the Love Bristol Gift Card
“Bristol is already home to some of the most exciting events and creative talent in the country,” said Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID.
“But we know we can go further, together. Through joined-up delivery, we can raise Bristol’s visibility, support more businesses, and champion our identity as a city that’s full of life.”
There will also be increased support for other signature events such as the Bristol Harbour Festival
The BID also focuses on wellbeing, with past successes like April’s Stress Awareness Month. More than 550 people participated in over 20 curated events – from sushi making and sound baths to litter picks and sunrise yoga – delivered in partnership with 14 local businesses.
The BID proposals have been shaped through consultation with hundreds of businesses, ensuring that the new programme reflects local priorities and ambitions.
“We’re creating a BID that not only supports business but makes Bristol the place people want to visit, shop, explore and return to,” added Steve Bluff, director of Redcliffe & Temple BID.
“Our plans ensure local businesses benefit directly from high-quality promotional work and cultural events that reach every corner of the city centre.”
“Bristol is already home to some of the most exciting events and creative talent in the country,” said Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID
The ballot period runs from June 5 to July 3, with results to be announced on July 4. If approved, the new unified Bristol BID will begin its term on November 1 this year.
All photos: BID
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
