Millions of pounds could be invested in Bristol over the next five years under new plans to unite the city’s business improvement districts. The proposed Bristol BID would bring together the City Centre BID, Redcliffe and Temple BID and Broadmead BID under one umbrella and, if approved, would launch in November 2025.
BIDs are funded by businesses within a designated zone which pay a levy that is then used to make improvements across the area. According to those behind the plans, the move will “enhance” Bristol’s business landscape and generate some £17m that can be ploughed into the city over the next half decade.
If successful, the new Bristol BID will be similar to the operating model of other major UK cities including Liverpool, Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle.
Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “This is a vital investment in the future of our city. The additional funds will enable us to deliver more value through impactful projects that create a cleaner, safer and more vibrant city for everyone. By coming together, we ensure that every business – large or small – reaps the rewards of a thriving, prosperous Bristol.”
The consolidation of the three BIDs will formalise existing collaborations such as the Bristol Light Festival, TAP for Bristol and the Business Crime Reduction Partnership. It will focus on four core delivery themes – experience and promotion; safe and supported communities; clean and welcoming; and sustainable and green.
The BID is consulting on two levy options of 1.75% and 1.9% and only those businesses with a rateable value of £30,000 or more will pay. The new BID will also consult on expansions to the current boundaries to include more businesses in the city centre.
Steve Bluff, director of Redcliffe and Temple BID, said: “The proposed Bristol BID is a strategic move that will unlock new potential for our city. It allows us to streamline resources, reduce duplication and create a more powerful voice for businesses. By working collectively, we can address challenges more effectively and deliver greater value for all those that work, visit and live in the city.”
Vivienne Kennedy, director of Broadmead BID, added: “This unified Bristol BID is about maximising our impact and strategically investing in the city’s future. By consolidating efforts, we can leverage our combined resources to elevate projects like the Bristol Light Festival and enhance the visitor experience, while driving footfall and economic growth across the city.”
Consultations with businesses are currently under way, providing opportunities for feedback to shape the BID’s business plan. A formal ballot is scheduled for June next year, with the new BID set to launch on November 1, 2025, should the vote pass.
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