Warrington businesses have voted in favour of having a Business Improvement District (BID) for the town centre.

More than 400 businesses had the opportunity to approve or reject the five-year £1.8million private sector led investment for Warrington town centre, with a majority (68%) of those who voted approving the BID, which will now come into place from August 2018. Voting opened on 28 February and closed on 28 March.

Setting up a BID empowers businesses to undertake activities, projects and services that will make a town centre more economically vibrant, increase footfall and support the creation of a safer, cleaner and greener town centre.

Warrington joins more than 200 town and city centres across the UK who have chosen to implement successful BIDs since 2005. Local examples of successful BID’s that are making an active, visible impact include those in Liverpool, Altrincham and Manchester.

The Business Improvement District in Warrington town centre represents a major change in how the town centre is managed enabling and empowering businesses to take control.

Dawn Smyth, Primark store manager and Chair of Warrington BID Team, said: “This is a great result. The ‘Yes’ vote empowers businesses and create a more vibrant and diverse shopping experience for all. Working together to improve marketing, events, transport, cleansing and security we can make a massive difference”.

Cllr Dan Price, Warrington Borough Council’s executive board member for culture and partnerships – who is responsible for town centre delivery – added: “I’m delighted with the decision. It endorses the progressive attitude of our town centre businesses and will further enhance the Warrington town centre offer as an attraction, shopping and visitor destination.”