Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) are on their way to Scotland
A total of £500,000 has been set aside for six BID pilot projects in order to regenerate town and city centres and boost economic growth. The Executive will provide £50,000 to each Pathfinder to fund the initial development costs. The aim is to have six locations that can vote on BID proposals after the legislative framework is in place, planned for April 1, 2007. The remaining £200,000 from the budget allocated will be available for those pathfinders which may require additional funding as the projects move forward. Recommendations on the use of this additional funding will be taken by the BID Pilot Project Director in consultation with the BIDs Steering Group.
The pilot areas are:
- Business Parks in Alloa, Tillicoultry and Alva
- Bathgate town centre
- Edinburgh city centre
- Falkirk town centre
- Glasgow city centre
- Inverness city centre
The Minister for Finance and Public Sector Reform, Mr Tom McCabe, said: "Our top priority is to grow the Scottish economy - and I believe Business Improvement Districts can play an important role in contributing to long-term economic growth. BIDs have proved successful elsewhere and I am confident these pilots projects will pave the way for successful BIDs in Scotland.
This is not about what we can do for business but what businesses can do for themselves and I am delighted that the business community has thrown its weight behind the initiative. Each of the six pilot areas is being given up to £50,000 and an opportunity to change their economic outlook for the better - with the prospect of further funding as they move forward.
It is now up to businesses, working in partnership, and engaging with their local council, to develop proposals to improve their local economies. They will choose what improvements or services they need with the proviso that any such services should be in addition to what is already being provided in the area."
Tender Specification document
BIDs demonstration project application
Pathfinder Project Successful City Centre application
Pathfinder Project Business Park application
Pathfinder Project City Centre Renewal application
Pathfinder Project Prospering Town Centre application
BIDs Steering Group minutes of meetings