Insider Media Limited

Nottingham’s retailers have voted in favour of a Retail Business Improvement District (BID) for the city centre. The district will “strengthen the whole shopping experience in the city”, according to members of the BID steering group.

The BID will become operational in January 2011 when a company will be set up to manage it and implement the programmes and activities set out in the business plan.

The plan focuses on three main areas that retailers have said will deliver the greatest improvements to businesses and shopping in Nottingham. These include support with marketing, improving the environment and issues around access and parking.

Councillor Alan Clark, Nottingham City Council’s portfolio holder for neighbourhood regeneration, said: “The council has worked with the promoters, NCCRA, in the development of the Retail BID and views the formal vote in favour of setting up the BID company as a positive step forward. We have been aware that there are several things that like minded businesses have wanted to achieve, particularly more events and promotional activities to help drive footfall.

“The BID is a positive way to do this, and where there are additional services that the BID will provide, such as cleansing and Street Ambassadors, we look forward to working together with the BID to ensure the best possible value for Nottingham’s retailers and an improved shopping experience for Nottingham’s shoppers.”