Ballot papers sent out for Colmore Business District vote
Jan 21 2009 by Alun Thorne, Birmingham Post
More members of the Birmingham business community have thrown their weight behind the Colmore Business District after ballot papers were sent to eligible voters.
After consultation with firms and property owners, ballot papers have been sent to 500 local businesses who must return them by 5pm on February 27.
The companies will be voting on whether to agree to a one per cent levy collected by Birmingham City Council and used to fund improvements to the Colmore area of the city through a newly established Bid Company. It is thought over five years £3.4million will be raised.
Once ballot papers have been returned they will be independently collated and scrutinised by Electoral Reform Services and the result will be announced on March 2. If the BID is successful it will start on April 1 and run for up to five years. For the vote to be successful it must secure a majority in those who vote and by rateable value.
Chief executive of Birmingham Forward, Richard Brennan, said: “We have spent a great deal of time talking and consulting with firms to ensure we have a workable, realistic and comprehensive set of objectives for the BID that will demonstrably improve the area for firms, staff and visitors. We believe we have achieved that and it is now for the voters to have their say. There is no doubt whichever example you look at, in the UK or elsewhere, the benefit to an area that secures a BID is significant.”
Since the launch, businesses and organisations have indicated support for the BID.
David Tuck, regional office head at Weightmans LLP said: “We are confident the combined investment of additional resources and effort will be good for our business, staff and visitors.” Mike Kimmons, chief executive of St Philip’s Chambers added: “The more we hear about the BID the more we are in favour of it.” Terry Peate, general manager of BADGER Group in Whittall Street said: “It looks like an excellent and exciting piece of work.”
