‘BID’ plan could benefit Ballymena

At last Monday Night’s meeting, members heard that the council agreed to provide £10k for their Easter campaign and will be added to other funds to be spent on promotional projects for the town.

In order to support the town centre, officers were currently working with Ballymena town centre development LTD to consider a promotional programme in the lead up to Easter in order to retain increased footfall.

Council Chief Anne Donaghy also confirmed that Ballymena is on course to become one of the first Business Improvement Districts in Northern Ireland, which aims to make the town centre more attractive for business and give local businesses incentive and support.

It is anticipated that £80,000 of BIDS money will also be used to go towards further promotional projects in Ballymena.

She said: “I believe that it remains on track for Autumn 2013. I can confirm all issues highlighted by council have been considered and included in the final bill.”

What are BIDs? An arrangement whereby businesses get together, decide what improvements they want to make in their town centre, how they will manage these and what it will cost . This all goes into a business plan which is voted on by all those who would have to pay. The BID lasts for a maximum of 5 years and must be able to demonstrate how it benefits the businesses that have funded it.