Businesses have come forward to support Letchworth’s BID campaign.
The final business plan was presented to North Herts District Council’s Letchworth area committee last Wednesday.
The purpose of a BID is for businesses to come together to plan and implement activities that will further develop their trade.
These will be funded by a levy paid by every business in the BID area, so businesses will vote in October on whether they wish the Letchworth GC BID to become operational.
If it is voted for by the majority, the business plan will be implemented over the next five years.
The BID prospectus launched to businesses yesterday (Wednesday). It outlines the four key plans to deliver the changes needed to restore Letchworth GC’s economic vitality. These are a series of cultural events and promotional activities to boost footfall, improved access and parking to encourage people to stay longer, a reshaped and revamped town offer, and investment in high profile and high impact marketing campaigns to reach more people.
Terry Dear, owner of Shoe Box on Leys Avenue, said: “We have to do something to bring back vitality and energy to the town. The BID appears to be the ideal vehicle to do this.”
Supermarket giant Morrisons have also shown support. Andy Lock, from the Letchworth Morrisons management team, said: “Letchworth embracing the BID means businesses both large and small will all take collective responsibility for improving our town.”
Letchworth GC town centre manager Lee Boswell said: “We are urging every business in the proposed BID area to read the prospectus. It provides the answers to questions on governance, how the money will be spent, and how we’ve calculated those all important numbers.
“The BID has the potential to bring significant investment to the town centre, providing us with the means to start delivering positive change.
“Every business in the BID area is welcome to attend our evening event at the Goldsmith Centre on Thursday, September 26, where members of the BID Steering Group will be on hand from 6pm to answer questions and talk more about our exciting plans for the town centre.”
If successful, the BID will begin in April next year. To download a copy of the prospectus visit lgcbid.com
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