About Winchester Business improvement district (BID)
Winchester City Centre Partnership (WCCP) is a limited company that has been running since 1998. The aim of WCCP is to combine local authorities and companies to improve Winchester as a shopping destination, place to work and live. The partnership consists of Winchester City Council, Hampshire County Council, Hampshire Constabulary, North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The University of Winchester.
WCCP mission statement: "Working in partnership to make Winchester the preferred place to shop, work, live and visit".
In 2006 it was agreed that WCCP would attempt to achieve Business Improvement District (BID) status.
With the introduction of the Business Improvement District (BID) Scheme in 2008 Winchester City Centre Partnership is the delivery vehicle for the BID budget and aims. The BID is funded by 836 local organisations within Winchester City Centre paying a 1.5% levy on top of their business rates. The BID will operate for the maximum allowable term of 5 years commencing on 1st April 2008 and ending 31st March 2013. An independent management board of up to 15 non-executive directors control the company, BID activities and funds.
Winchester BID mission statement: "To create a business led programme of investment throughout Winchester City Centre, raising the quality of experience for businesses, residents and visitors".
The objectives set out in the Business Improvement District (BID) business plan are building upon those of the Winchester City Centre Partnership (WCCP) and their partner organisations; Hampshire County Council, Winchester City Council and North Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and Industry.- To improve street management
- To improve community safety
- To promote business
- To increase the involvement of the business community
In addition, the BID will have a supporting role with those partners and others:
- To improve access
- To better manage the evening economy
Currently Winchester City Centre Partnership is in a stable position to execute the Business Improvement District (BID) Scheme.
Published Documents
BID Business PlanBID Levy Rules
Business Consultation
List of streets within the BID
Diverted Giving
Winchester's Diverted Giving scheme seeks to encourage people to place money in strategically located charity boxes rather than in the hands or hats of beggers. As well as generating over £10,000 in donations since the project began, the scheme's primary objective is to reduce active begging on the streets of Winchester, therfore helping to promote the city as a desirable shopping destination. The scheme aims to channel public funds through local charitable organisations. 100% of the money raised from the scheme is divided equally between the three nominated charities. The Salvation Army, Trinity Winchester and The Winchester Churches Nightshelter. There are 20 boxes waiting to be circulated in the City Centre. If you would be interested in providing a home for a box, please contact Emma on 01962 841000.
