By Pam McClounie City centre reporter

Last updated at 16:53, Friday, 13 July 2012

Dates have been set for retailers in Carlisle city centre to vote on whether they want a Business Improvement District (BID).

Supporters claim the BID would enhance the city centre and boost its economy.

A ballot will take place between Thursday, July 26 and Thursday, August 23.

If the ballot produces a ‘yes’ vote then the formal BID company can start operating from September.

Several business owners have come forward to act as members of a steering group for the proposed BID.

This comes as a plan, which sets out how the BID would be managed and what its priorities would be, has been published and is being sent to local businesses.

The plan is being championed by a group of businesses which include Bookcase, House of Fraser, Marks & Spencer, the Lanes Shopping Centre, Mothercare, Wilkinsons, Joplings, the Crown & Mitre Hotel, the Kings Head, Bon Appetit, La Pergola and Tullie House – together with Carlisle City Council

Steve Matthews, owner of Bookcase on Castle Street and chairman of the BID Steering Group, said: “Carlisle has to be as attractive as possible for visitors and shoppers. The BID will give retailers the chance to help shape the city centre and keep Carlisle at the forefront of shopping in the region.

“Other towns and cities have had successful BIDs. It is essential that we give Carlisle a competitive edge.”

The areas the BID will look at are: Marketing, promotion and events; intelligence and communication; reducing business costs; operations around the quality of the streetscape; leadership and advocacy.

There are plans to meet each of the 320 businesses within the proposed BID to explain the benefits to them.

The ongoing success of the city centre area is seen as a vital ingredient of the wider Carlisle economy, attracting shoppers and visitors from a wide catchment area together with increasing numbers of tourists.

There are already more than 130 city centre BIDs up and down the country in places such as Newcastle, Preston, Blackpool and York, with typical benefits including enhanced promotion and events helping to increase the numbers of visitors to the main city centre shopping areas.

First published at 14:05, Friday, 13 July 2012
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk