BUSINESSES in Warrington have voted overwhelmingly in favour of a bid to boost the town centre for the next five years.
The Business Improvement District (BID) will now run for a second term in Warrington, until 2028.
More than 300 firms were given the chance to take part in the ballot which closed on Thursday,
And 80 per cent approved the five-year £1.5million private sector led investment for Warrington town centre.
This was an increase in support from 68 per cent when the ballot was held for the town centre’s first BID in 2018.
Re-approving the town centre BID will enable businesses to lead on a wide range of activities, additional projects and services that will make Warrington town centre more economically vibrant, increase footfall and support the creation of a safer, cleaner and greener town centre.
Recent events backed by the BID include the Alice in Wonderland celebrations at Easter and Lantern parade and lighting of the Town Hall at Christmas.
Ian Cox, centre director of Golden Square and deputy chair of the BID, said “This is a great result.
"The ‘Yes’ vote empowers businesses and creates a more vibrant and diverse visitor experience for all. Working together to improve marketing, events, transport, cleansing and security will make a massive difference to our town centre and the business community."
Cllr Tom Jennings, cabinet member, Warrington Borough Council, added: “This result is a clear endorsement of the existence of a Business Improvement District and the overall economic health of our town centre. BID1 has achieved so much under difficult circumstances over the past few years, this ballot demonstrates the inherent attitude of our town centre businesses and unlocks further opportunities to enhance our town centre offer as a great place to work, live, shop and entertain.”
Greville Kelly, director from Groundwork CLM who manage the BID added “The result achieved in Warrington today builds upon the great work of a team of dedicated staff from Groundwork over the last seven years, most recently Andrea Morley, Jane Hough and Amy Dawber who have all worked tirelessly to make the case for a second term BID here in Warrington town centre.
"Groundwork is looking forward to continuing our work with the Warrington business community, changing places and changing lives for the better across Warrington town centre.”
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