Swindon’s long-talked about revival of its Business Improvement District has taken a meaningful step forward, marking what many local traders see as a fresh opportunity for the town’s commercial heart.
With a new Shadow BID Board now installed and early engagement drawing encouraging responses, there is a genuine sense that momentum is finally beginning to shift.
Although the initial push came from Swindon Borough Council, the reins have now been handed firmly to representatives from the business community. The Shadow Board, made up of organisations from both the town centre and Old Town, has begun regular meetings to draw together priorities and map out the next phase of the scheme’s development.
To support this work, the Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub has been visiting levy-eligible businesses across the proposed area. Early signs are promising, with more than sixty-five per cent of those approached signalling support for the return of a BID. Many echoed themes from earlier feasibility work carried out by The Means, which identified a common desire for enhanced safety, livelier public spaces and more consistent business support.
Leadership for the emerging BID is now in place. Laura James, Theatre Director at the Wyvern Theatre, has taken on the role of Chair, with Kris Talkowski stepping into the position of Vice-Chair to help guide the project through its crucial early months.
Old Town’s potential inclusion within the BID boundary is also under active discussion. The Old Town Business Association has been involved from the outset and has proposed that any levy raised there should be largely protected for use within Old Town itself. An online poll for businesses in the area will be launched shortly to gauge the level of support before a formal decision is made.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, noted that reinstating the BID is central to the borough’s wider ambitions for Swindon’s future. He described it as an important step towards restoring confidence, improving safety and breathing life back into the town centre.
Laura James, Chair of the Shadow BID Board, said that the business community had shown a clear willingness to take part in shaping the future of the area. She highlighted the strong engagement so far and stressed the importance of listening to what matters most to those trading in both the town centre and Old Town.
Vice-Chair Kris Talkowski added that the message from businesses has been strikingly consistent: they want a safer, more vibrant environment and a shared approach to lifting the confidence of the town. He also confirmed that Old Town businesses will soon have the chance to give their view on how they wish to be involved.
The project is currently around halfway through its development stage, with a full ballot of eligible businesses expected early in the new year. Over the coming weeks, the Board will refine the programme and continue gathering feedback to ensure the final proposal is anchored in the needs and expectations of the local business community.
Further details, along with opportunities to take part in the consultation, can be found at swindonbid.co.uk.
Photo: Ross Bisley / Dronie Productions
