Shawlands BID proposal receives strong support in ballot

Proposals for a Business Improvement District (BID) in Shawlands have taken a significant step forward after a ballot of local businesses saw almost three-quarters voting in favour.

The Shawlands BID is expected to raise £741,000 over a five year period which will be spent on a variety of activities detailed in the MyShawlands Business Plan.  This includes a number of events to increase footfall, advertising and PR campaigns to raise awareness of Shawlands offering and streetscape projects such as seasonal lighting, shopfront improvement grants and 'Keep Scotland Beautiful' audit to improve cleanliness. 

Joint collaboration will give the businesses of Shawlands a unified voice to raise concerns as well as working on money saving projects such as bulk procurement of utilities, advertising and waste contracts. A BID can also allow the local business community to attract additional funding and resources that they would otherwise be unable to do so.

It is envisaged that the Shawlands BID would be in place from June this year until 2022.

David Ross, co-chair of the Shawlands BID Steering Group, said: "The Shawlands BID Steering Group is delighted that following the recent ballot, the proposal for the establishment of the Business Improvement District for Shawlands Town Centre has been overwhelmingly accepted by the Businesses.  This is a real boost and will allow for the continued recovery and growth of the area.  A company will now be established to run the BID, which will be business led and have a dedicated BID manager overseeing and co-ordinating projects and discussions with the stakeholders.  We would welcome all business owners to join us in shaping the future of Shawlands."

A council spokesman said: "The creation of a Shawlands BID offers the chance for this vibrant area of Glasgow to make even more of its fantastic resources.  Shawlands town centre is undoubtedly one of Glasgow's most attractive destinations for shops, pubs and restaurants, and this latest news keeps up the momentum for Shawlands' regeneration."

The Shawlands Town Centre Action Plan, created in 2012 and with a budget of £3.3million, has supported projects and investment which aim to develop Shawlands town centre as a retail, food and leisure destination.

More information is available at: http://www.myshawlands.com/faq.html.