Multi-million pound investment plans secured with ballot result announced today
Local businesses in the Whitehall BID have voted overwhelmingly in favour of renewing the Whitehall Business Improvement District (BID) for a second consecutive term.
Of those businesses that voted, 81% voted ‘yes’ at the ballot (93% by rateable value), setting a strong mandate for the BID to continue to deliver its ambitious strategic and operational improvements of the area.
The ballot result endorses the key achievements of the BID over the past 2 years, after its establishment in 2021, and increases support for an aligned partnership approach across this key part of London.
The BID team, led by specialist regeneration expert Ruth Duston, OBE, OC, will work with the local authority and other key stakeholders to deliver the Whitehall BID 2023-2028 vision that was published in advance of the ballot being held.
The BID’s work will continue to enhance the area’s important position as a key destination in London; with a variety of historic and cultural assets. Approximately £3.1 million will be invested into the area over the BID’s second term, bringing the BID’s lifetime investment to over £3.7 million.
Whitehall is estimated to support 26,500 workers, generates £1.93 billion in GVA and contributes £22million in business rates to the Exchequer every year.
The Whitehall BID will be investing in a range of strategic and operational projects and will focus on four aims:
- Create a more environmentally sustainable business district and tackle climate change in line with the City of Westminster’s ambition for a net zero borough by 2040.
- Drive the continued post-pandemic recovery by supporting the return of office occupiers to the workplace, reviving international tourism, addressing recruitment challenges in the hospitality sector and helping the local economy adapt to new consumer profiles and behaviour.
- Maintain our role as an important bridge between the private and public sector, enabling partnerships that drive positive change not only in the BID area but also the wider community.
- Use the collective strength of ‘London HQ’ – a collaboration with neighbouring south Westminster BIDs – to lobby for continued local and central government investment in the Whitehall footprint, keeping London at the forefront of our economy.
Ruth Duston OBE OC, Chief Executive of the Whitehall BID said:
“We are incredibly grateful to all those who took part in the ballot process, from our initial consultation in summer 2022 right the way through to the vote itself. We look forward to a second term of delivering services in support of our members and in particular we welcome those businesses in the expanded BID footprint around Millbank and Smith Square. Our on-street and destination marketing teams will continue to create an exemplary experience for visitors and workers alike, and we’ve already begun to develop a programme of public realm improvements that will be implemented over the coming term. At the heart of achieving all this will be a commitment to building a responsible business district that supports the wider Westminster community and prioritises environmental sustainability.”
ENDS
About the Whitehall BID:
The Whitehall Business Improvement District (BID) was established in February 2021 as a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee. The BID was formed after an overwhelming 95% of levy paying businesses voted ‘yes’ at the ballot, firmly endorsing the creation of a new BID in Whitehall to provide the local business community with a strong voice to drive change, innovation and stimulate additional investment into the area. The establishment of London’s 67th Business Improvement District set a strong mandate to deliver ambitious improvements in the area.
The area is a key tourist destination which offers a variety of historic and cultural assets. The BID aims to ensure Whitehall remains a world-renowned business and visitor destination, through catalysing the revitalisation of the area, enhancing its unrivalled status in London, and developing the experience of working, living, doing business and visiting the area.
The BID is governed by a voluntary board of business levy payers representing all sectors in the area. Observers also attend to represent public sector service providers and local charities. The board leads and guides the work of the BID and is supported by the executive team which implements, delivers and measures mandated programmes and projects.
whitehallbid.co.uk