Council Could Back the Bid
Dundee City Council could be set to back a Business Improvement District (BID) which is being proposed for the city centre.
A BID ballot of eligible businesses is now being held until March19. Subject to a successful outcome, the BID would operate for an initial five-year term from May 1, 2026.
A report to the next meeting of the City Growth and Infrastructure Committee on February 16 is being asked to authorise a ‘yes’ vote from the chief executive on behalf of the local authority.
The meeting will also consider the business plan that has been published by the BID project to accompany the ballot.
A BID is a business led initiative within a defined area where businesses work together and collectively invest funds raised by a levy. This would be used for projects and improvements which must be additional to services already provided by the local authority.
The Dundee bid proposal is based on a levy 1.5% of rateable value of the eligible 390 properties within the BID boundary with a Non-Domestic Rateable value of £25,000 and above.
A steering group of businesses interested in a Dundee BID has been established and undertook extensive stakeholder engagement with city centre businesses last year.
Feedback helped to inform the preparation of the BID proposal which focuses on key priorities:
Safer Streets – a more secure and friendly city centre
Cleaner – a more welcoming city centre for all
Vibrant – a more engaging city centre
Empowered – representing city centre businesses through strong partnerships
The committee will hear that the priorities are aligned with and will support progress to deliver the council’s City Centre Strategic Investment Plan 2020-2050. This plan is designed to encourage growth in the city centre and requires close work between the council and private sector interests.
Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: "The establishment of a BID could be a very significant development in our vision to transform the city centre for the future. I am pleased that there is a recommendation coming forward for the council to back the BID.
“I am impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the steering group who have put together a very strong case for a Dundee BID and what could be achieved.
“We have seen the success of other BIDs which have been established across Scotland and the benefits they have brought for local economies.
“There is a real shared desire to make Dundee a better place for everyone, and we must consider every tool at our disposal to make things happen.”
Carrie Shannon, Co-Chair Dundee BID and owner of Archies, said: “As Co-Chair of the Dundee City Centre BID Steering Group, I welcome the recommendation for Dundee City Council to support the BID proposal. “Over the past year, the steering group has engaged extensively with city-centre businesses. The message has been consistent: businesses want a safer, cleaner, more vibrant city centre and a stronger collective voice. “The BID proposal is a direct response to that feedback. It focuses on practical, business-led action that is additional to existing council services and designed to deliver tangible improvements. “A Dundee BID would provide a formal structure for collaboration between businesses and the local authority and support the long-term ambitions set out in the City Centre Strategic Investment Plan.
“This ballot is an important moment for the city centre. A successful outcome would allow businesses to take an active role in shaping Dundee’s future and investing collectively in its success."
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