Communities and Children Secretary, Carl Sargeant, has congratulated 348 businesses in Bridgend for working together to establish a Business Improvement District (BID).
This was published under the 2016 to 2021 administration of the Welsh Government
The Welsh Government has provided £203,000 to support the development of 10 BID proposals in Aberystwyth Pontypridd, Abergavenny, Pant & Merthyr Industrial Estates, Llanelli, Neath, Caernarfon, Bangor, and the Bay of Colwyn, in addition to Bridgend.
Each of the 348 businesses will pay a levy of 1.25% on their non-domestic rates, generating nearly half a million pounds over three years, to be used to:
- make the town centre more attractive and accessible
- improve parking and driving in the town centre
- improve marketing to increase visitor numbers
- reduce the number of vacant properties
- enhance the town centre with environmental improvements, reduce anti-social behaviour and increase safety
- strengthen the voice of business on issues that affect the town centre.
The Cabinet Secretary, said:
"I would like to congratulate the Bridgend businesses that have worked together on a successful BID.
"Changing lifestyles, more competition, and internet shopping mean that all of our towns have to work differently to remain interesting and vibrant places to visit.
"I am pleased to provide £21,600 to support the creation of this BID."