The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil – BID Success
Merthyr Tydfil has voted to retain its Business Improvement District with one of the highest approval ratings ever recorded.
A whopping 95 per cent of town centre businesses voted in favour of continuing The Big Heart of Merthyr for the next five years.
The huge thumbs-up comes at a time when the Big Heart is ready to bring back an exciting calendar of events after the trials of Covid.
BID manager Elizabeth Bedford said: “The result is one of the highest in the country and shows businesses in Merthyr are getting value for money from The Big Heart of Merthyr.
“Our business owners are a proud and resilient bunch and I’m looking forward to supporting them over the next five years.”
Businesses get to decide if they want to keep their BID in a secret ballot every five years.
For the BID to be re-established, a majority of businesses must be in favour and their votes must also represent more than 50% of the total rateable value of the properties that voted.
The Big Heart passed with flying colours, with 95 per cent of businesses in favour, and 98 per cent of the rateable value, and a 55 per cent turnout.
The Association of British Bids confirmed the result was one of the highest ever recorded since BIDs were set up across the UK in 2004.
Mrs Bedford said: ‘For the last two years we’ve been helping over 280 members through the pandemic with free PPE, free financial advice and marketing campaigns.
“But now we can start improving footfall in the town centre by bringing back exciting events including the comedy festival, Merthyr food festival and family fun days and lots more.”
The BID also introduced £1 car parking on Saturdays, lobbies the local authority for free parking throughout the year, brightens up the town centre
with over 100 summer floral displays and promotes the Merthyr gift card to mention just a few benefits.
The BID renewal means there will be a collective pot of more than £700,000 to invest in the town centre until 2027.
Chair of the BID, Huw Williams said: “ We are looking forward to continued co-operation with the business community in the town centre.
“It has been a difficult time for us, and we could not have got through with without the help and support of those that believe in the work we do for our town”
Councillor Lisa Mytton, Leader, Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council said “Congratulations to everyone in the team, really pleased that The Big Heart of Merthyr Tydfil has received excellent support again from local businesses and I wish them all the very best for the future”
Lee Simmonds, St Tydfil Shopping Centre Manager, “I am delighted that the business community within the Merthyr Tydfil BID have shown trust and confidence in the BID Board and specifically the BID Manager in voting for a 3rd term.
“We as the Merthyr Tydfil BID will continue to provide all we can to support local business in making Merthyr Tydfil, not only a joy for the local community but also a desirable tourist destination in Wales.”
