Terms & Conditions

The launch of Birmingham's first Business Improvement District (BID) in Broad Street received a Hollywood boost last month.

A recent visit by film star Will Smith gave the Broad Street BID team a dream photo opportunity to promote the scheme's forthcoming launch on 13 April. The innovative, private sector-led initiative will see local businesses vote for a greater say in the management and promotion of their district - making Birmingham one of the first to take advantage of legislation introduced by Government in 2004. Smith, who was in town for the premier of his film Hitch, was welcomed to the city by Gary Taylor, chair of the Broad Street Association, who has been leading the private sector support of the Broad Street BID. The premiere of Hitch, which attracted thousands of film fans to the city centre, is the kind of event that the Broad Street BID will seek to attract to the area. The money raised through BIDs, via a modest levy, will be invested to provide new services including evening street wardens and improved lighting, additional street-cleaning and environmental improvements as well as increased marketing and promotional activity. In addition, there will be a dedicated Broad Street Manager working to ensure these and other initiatives have a positive impact on the trading environment for businesses in the area and to make it a bteer place for those who visit, work or live in the area.

Following consultation with 270 businesses in the Broad Street area over the last year, a detailed proposal has been put together by local businesses and property reps working closely with Birmingham City Centre Partnership which has been managing the pilot scheme. The document, which was circulated to all Broad Street businesses in March, highlights the key priorities and concerns of local businesses to create a brighter, safer and cleaner Broad Street - and encouraged their participation at the Ballot from 18 April until 26 May.