Council backs Falkirk Delivers as it bids to move into Central Retail Park
Falkirk councillors are backing a new term for the organisation that represents and promotes businesses in the town centre.
For the first time, however, the area covered by Falkirk Business Improvement District (BID) will include Central Retail Park and some of the streets nearby.
Run by Falkirk Delivers, the BID has just completed its fourth term and is now asking its members to support a further five years.
While the BID is run independently of Falkirk Council and funded mainly by its members, the council can veto its operation if it chooses to do so.
Falkirk Council’s executive, however, unanimously agreed to support the ballot for a new term.
While Falkirk Delivers has traditionally covered only the heart of the town centre up until now, the report highlights the expansion of the boundary.
This reflects the fact that the town centre and nearby retail park are “serving the same customers and facing the same challenges”.
The report adds: “Consultation has identified shared priorities around cleanliness, antisocial behaviour and the need to strengthen Falkirk’s overall appeal as a destination.”
The proposed new area includes Meeks Road (part); Grahams Road (1-48a); Galloway Street (part); McFarlane Street; and Central Retail Park.
The Business Improvement District is funded by its members – businesses who invest collectively in projects and services they believe will improve their trading environment.
These include organising events to bring people into town and keeping the area safe and attractive for visitors, with initiatives to tackle shoplifting and crime as well as cleanliness.
Falkirk Council does provide some core funding, which this year is £41,000 and in-kind support for the actual billing and levy collection, which saves the BID around £6000.
This year, the BID is recognising the difficult time that small businesses are having with rising costs and the smallest businesses will not be charged, although if they wish they can pay a voluntary levy for its services.
Councillor Paul Garner, the SNP’s economic development spokesperson, said the BID has provided valuable services to businesses in the town centre and wished the team the best of luck in the ballot they are about to undertake.
Conservative group leader Baillie James Kerr added: “Elaine and the team care passionately about Falkirk town centre and they work tirelessly, so good luck to them and I hope their hard work pays off.”
The result of the BID ballot will be announced in September.