Even with its amazing potential, some lovely historical buildings and very friendly people our town centre is in decline. The sudden closure of the Stratton House Hotel, a cornerstone of the town, came as a shock to many and yet there are so many other businesses on the brink. Talking to business owners the retail park and vastly reduced footfall in the town (attributed to the parking charges) are often cited as reasons that are contributing to the problem. I have been talking to local businesses about these issues and how we might address them.
The rise in internet shopping has seen the decline in high streets everywhere but some continue to thrive and grow – what can we learn from them? One nearby example is Hitchin, where they have taken the approach of creating a Business Improvement District (BID) to support their town centre. Along with ~300 other town centres across the country BID is used to give business owners a say in how the town centre should be run. I have been in touch with the Hitchin Town Centre Manager to find out more about how it might work in Biggleswade.
WHAT IS A BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (BID) AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
After defining the town centre all businesses are charged a small levy on top of their business rates that is pooled into a town centre fund. However, this money doesn’t go to the council! Those same businesses decide how that money is spent to improve the town, thereby giving them control over its future. Examples of projects other BID towns have done include promoting the town and its businesses – perhaps we could have a ‘Visit Biggleswade’ website? One area that Biggleswade is likely to want to consider is improving security by purchasing walkie talkies and maybe employing a town centre security guard. Other benefits for businesses could include a reduction in commercial waste removal charges as they agree can contracts as a consortium. They can even decide to spend some of the money on Christmas events to bring people into the town. If you want to know more about how BID works take a look at the recent Hitchin renewal document here.
SHOULDN’T THE COUNCIL BE PAYING FOR THIS ANYWAY?
The council does already pay for some things that could fall under the BID but the decisions are made by council committees often without the years of experience that exist within our town centre business owners. Once a BID has been set up and agreed by local businesses the councils can devolve responsibility for some, or all, of the town centre management alongside the budget and so this adds value to the BID. I have no doubt this would meet with some resistance but it is clear to me that we need to explore new ideas and ways of moving forward.
WHAT CAN I DO?
If I’m elected I pledge to work with town centre businesses to develop a BID proposal. I will work with business owners to make our town centre a safe, welcoming and vibrant place that people want to visit.
Given there is an
election on 2nd May, the following details are known as an election ‘imprint’
and are added to ensure people realise I am a candidate and all is transparent:
Promoted by Hayley Whitaker, 3 Sutton Road, Eyeworth, SG19
2TP.
2 Comments
Arthur
The town centre has recently been targeted by organized groups of beggars. Hardly beneficial for businesses based in the town centre. I have reported the issue to Bedfordshire Police.
As the beggers appear to have identified the few blind spots in CCTV coverage the answer probably lies therein. it would require five additional cameras but dummy cameras would work equally well and can be purchased for about £10 each on eBay so hardly an onerous expense.
There is a chap who lives near the A1 at Sandy who has made the national press with his dummy speed reduction cameras and, as the council subsequently removed the official device, I would say that rather demonstrates their efficacy in that application – hence my confidence.
Additionally a few real police officers not PCSO’s and definitely not private security guards with walkie-talkies might not go amiss – particularity on Friday night and the weekend.
Some form of licensed busking / entertainment in the market square might just attract a few more people to visit – it didn’t do Covent Garden any harm. If this were coupled with specialist markets such as vinyl record sellers / Hi-Fi parts vendors etc then it might just attract people to visit. If they re-open The New Inn with its reputation for Real Ale it could provide a winning combination.
Repairing the cobbled areas properly (not just a bit of tarmac that looks like it were laid by a blind person) would also enhance the appearance. Currently it resembles many village squares in eastern Europe since the fall of the communists. All that is lacking is a decommissioned Mig aircraft on a pole.
Jackson
Bring in more special market days such as the French and food day markets, more bespoke shops. Lower the rates. Rents for shop keepers ths will help them stay in business. Fill up the empty shops (not with more cafes) Do something with the empty Banks.