Business Improvement District set to expand south of the river

Leeds Business Improvement District (LeedsBID) has announced its Business Plan for 2025-2030 with ambitious plans for the next five years and extending its area into Holbeck and Hunslet.

Established in 2015, the not-for-profit, non-political organisation works to improve Leeds city centre for all. It is the largest multi-sector BID outside London, investing £14m into the city centre from 2020-2025.

A major component of the plan, in recognition of the city’s growth, is a proposed extension to the BID boundary, ensuring it covers key areas from the ring road in the north to Crown Point Road in the south, and from Wellington Street and Holbeck in the west to Quarry Hill and Leeds Dock in the east.

This expansion will see LeedsBID represent 790 businesses in its third term, and incorporate major new developments around the river, including the Royal Armouries and Aire Park – the largest new city centre green space in the UK.

It aims to capitalise on the city’s riverfront assets, acting as a catalyst for new initiatives which maximise opportunities for the riverside.

Nat Edwards, Director General and Master of the Royal Armouries in Leeds, expressed his support for the BID’s vision for the river.

“The Royal Armouries is excited to be part of this transformative vision for Leeds. The proposed Park and Glide service is a brilliant example of how we can enhance connectivity and visitor experience, linking our historic site with the vibrant city centre.”

LeedsBID’s annual £2.5m budget generates significant value, with every £1 spent by the BID delivering an additional 20p in value to the city.

Its popular street animation projects alone, such as this summer’s interactive Monopoly Leeds Takeover, and the Leodis Space Agency and Leeds Jurassic Trails have driven over 1.3 million visitors, generating nearly £8m in economic activity.
LeedsBID also hosts the annual Leeds International Festival of Ideas attracting world-leading speakers, thought leaders and innovators to the city, and has delivered iconic art for the city too, such as Athena Rising, which hit the headlines as the UK’s tallest mural.

Andrew Cooper, Chief Executive of LeedsBID said:

“We are excited to present our next chapter, which builds on the success of the past ten years and focuses on making Leeds an even more welcoming, inspirational, and ambitious city. We are asking businesses to continue to support and endorse the work of LeedsBID as we drive further positive change.

“LeedsBID is unique in its ability to bring people together for the improvement of our city. We look forward to discussing the plans with businesses and stakeholders across our city, who share the same values, ambition and vision.”

Key pillars of the plan include:

  • Welcoming: LeedsBID will focus on ensuring the city remains clean, safe, and friendly through ongoing initiatives such as Street Rangers and welcome teams.
  • Inspirational: With major events like Leeds International Festival of Ideas (LIFI), summer attractions, and festive projections, LeedsBID aims to create experiences that will drive footfall and solidify Leeds as a key destination.
  • Ambitious: Continuing to support bold projects, LeedsBID will work closely with businesses and stakeholders to launch new initiatives, strengthen business voices, and differentiate Leeds on the national stage.

Levy payers will have the opportunity to vote for LeedsBID to continue their work into a third term, with the new Business Plan. The results of the LeedsBID Ballot are announced on Friday 8 November 2024.

You can read the full business plan here.

 

This post is based on a press release issued on behalf of LeedsBID

 

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