Swindon Businesses to Vote on New Improvement District
Proposal aims to bring £2.5m investment to town centre and surrounding areas through a new Business Improvement District.
By Verity Coombes
••4 min read
AI
Generic image of a busy town centre with shops and people.
Businesses in Swindon are set to vote on a new Business Improvement District (BID) proposal that could inject approximately £2.5 million into the town centre and surrounding areas.
The proposed BID would unite businesses across the town centre, Old Town, the Railway Quarter, and North Star, providing a collective voice and investment opportunities in their trading locations. Funded and led by local businesses, the BID aims to deliver improvements beyond existing public services. Key proposals include a dedicated street team, enhanced support for tackling anti-social behaviour, environmental enhancements, and events designed to attract more visitors.
With over 330 BIDs operating successfully across the UK, the Swindon BID would focus on extra projects and activities identified by businesses. If approved, it could generate over £500,000 annually to support four core priorities: cleaner, greener, and safer streets; events to increase footfall; promotion of Swindon as a destination; and support for local businesses and employers.
“
"I’m really pleased the vote to establish a BID is now underway and I hope local businesses will back the proposal. The Council will continue to play its part in improving the town centre and surrounding areas, it should be somewhere people are proud to visit, where businesses can thrive and where there are more reasons to keep coming back. Our emerging Council Plan puts ‘Proud of Swindon’ at the heart of that ambition. Getting the basics right – cleaner, safer, more welcoming streets – matters, but so does celebrating our culture and heritage and bringing more life into the heart of the town. Re-imagining the town centre is a priority for this administration. The Council must play its part and deliver the services people expect, but we cannot achieve lasting change on our own. A BID would put local businesses at the heart of that work, giving them a stronger voice and dedicated funding for extra improvements, and events and activities that support our local economy. This is a real opportunity to build momentum and turn ambition into action. I hope eligible businesses will back the proposals and help make our town centre somewhere Swindon can be proud of."
Councillor Matthew Vallender, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, Planning and Regeneration, expressed his support, highlighting the council's commitment to town centre improvements and the BID's role in empowering local businesses. He emphasised that the BID would provide dedicated funding for extra initiatives and events, fostering local economic growth and pride in Swindon.
“
"Swindon has enormous potential, but we need to be honest about the challenges facing our town centre and Old Town. Businesses have told us loud and clear that they want cleaner, safer streets, more people visiting and a stronger voice in shaping the future of the areas where they trade. This BID is about taking back control and putting businesses in the driving seat. It gives us the opportunity to stop simply talking about the improvements we need and start delivering them, with over £2.5m to invest over five years. We have a real opportunity to bring businesses together, rebuild confidence and make Swindon somewhere people are proud to visit, work and invest in. I would encourage every eligible business to use its vote and help shape that future."
Laura James, Chair of the Shadow Swindon BID Board, added that the BID represents an opportunity for businesses to take control and drive improvements, with over £2.5 million available for investment over five years. She encouraged eligible businesses to vote and help shape the future of Swindon.
Eligible businesses can cast their votes from 6 November until 3 December 2026. The Shadow BID Board will host information events in the coming weeks to provide further details on the proposals and the benefits of a BID.
