Businesses in Bognor Regis have voted YES for the town to have a Business Improvement District.
On Tuesday 4th July, it was announced that over 179 votes had been cast, with the overwhelming majority (143 votes) wanting to be part of the Bognor Regis BID.
Toyubur Rahman, Bognor Regis Town Centre Manager, expressed his delight saying “this is a tremendous result for the town centre businesses, who will be able to deliver their plan help make Bognor Regis a better place to do businesses in.”
The BID (which is a not-for-profit organisation and will have a board of directors, from local businesses) will see Bognor Regis’ business get together, decide what additional improvements they want to make to the town and what it will cost them. This all goes into a business plan, which is voted on by all those who would have to pay. The BID can last for a maximum of 5 years and must be able to demonstrate how it has benefited businesses.
The BID Proposal and BID Business Plan has been developed by businesses represented by Bognor Regis Town Centre Management. This is a strong partnership and made up of Bognor Regis Traders’ Association, Bognor Regis Chamber of Commerce, William Hardwicke, University of Chichester, Reynolds, Condor Blinds, Arun District Council, Unique Workwear, Butlin’s, Dream Fitness, Bognor Regis Town Council, Boots, Wilkinson and Morrisons.
The plan gives businesses a greater say in how their town develops and will help them invest over £700,000 into Bognor Regis Town Centre over the next five years.
The Bognor Regis Town Centre Partnership will be meeting soon to discuss the next steps and begin to implement the plan. Businesses are urged to get involved with their skills, expertise and knowledge to ensure the plan is delivered successfully. Town Centre Manager Toyubur Rahman can be emailed on: toyubur@bognorregistcm.co.uk.
The Bognor Regis BID will start from 1st April 2018.
To view the Bognor Regis BID Proposal and Business Plan visit www.brbid.co.uk.