Businesses in Sunderland city centre have re-elected the Business Improvement District (BID) for a third term, confirming their recognition of the positive impact of the organisation. The ballot, held on 30 November, saw levy payers vote overwhelmingly in favour of the BID continuing its work from April 2024 for another five years, with 86.8% of votes cast in favour and a combined ratable value of 91.7% for those who voted in favour. Sunderland BID has invested over £7m in the city centre, creating initiatives such as Sunderland Restaurant Week and the Sunderland Gift Card.
Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of Sunderland BID, expressed delight at the result and said, “We have so many exciting plans at a time when there is so much happening in the city and we will be able to have a real impact on that”. Alan Patchett, Chair of the BID Board, echoed these sentiments and called the result “a clear demonstration of the regard and confidence the city centre businesses have in the brilliant work the team has done”.
Patrick Melia, Chief Executive of Sunderland City Council, noted that businesses in the city centre are a vital part of the ongoing regeneration of Sunderland and praised Sunderland BID for providing strong support to the city’s businesses and community. Melia expressed his delight that the BID had been re-elected for a third term and pledged to continue working with them to create a safer and more vibrant city centre.
To sum up, Sunderland BID’s remarkable re-election for a third term shows that businesses in the city appreciate the positive changes the organisation has brought about. It is vital in the ongoing regeneration of Sunderland and will extend the BID boundary to cover the new Sheepfolds development, allowing a more coordinated approach to city activities.
