30/10/2025
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Big things are happening behind the scenes in Bangorโs city centre, and this one could make a lasting difference for both local businesses and the wider community.
๐ก๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ "๐๐๐"?
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a model used in many successful town and city centres across the UK. Itโs where local businesses come together to agree on a plan of investment for their area, things like:
โข Cleaner, greener, safer streets
โข Better events and marketing to attract visitors
โข Support for independent traders
โข Evening economy and lighting improvements
Each business contributes a small additional levy (usually around a couple of percent of their rates), and every penny stays local, ring-fenced for projects that directly benefit Bangor.
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The beauty of a BID is that its impact goes far beyond the business community. A thriving, better-managed city centre means:
โข More vibrant streets and events for residents and visitors
โข Improved public spaces and amenities
โข Stronger community pride
โข A safer, more welcoming place for families and visitors alike
When the heart of the city thrives, the benefits ripple outwards โฆfrom the high street to the waterfront.
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The early groundwork has begun. With support from the Department for Communities and Ards & North Down Borough Council, seed funding has been provided to move the Bangor BID from idea to action.
A new BID Project Officer role has just been advertised, marking the start of a formal process that will lead towards a business ballot in late 2026. Over the next year, local traders and property owners will help shape a business plan that defines what Bangorโs BID will deliver and how it will make our city centre stronger, cleaner, and more vibrant.
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This is a truly exciting development for our city. While the Marine Gardens and Queenโs Parade regeneration are transforming the physical landscape, the BID gives Bangorโs local businesses and community a chance to shape its day-to-day vitality.
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โจ The shopfronts shine
๐ถ Street events draw crowds
๐ธ Public spaces bloom
๐๏ธ Visitors come and stay longer
Thatโs what a well-run BID can help deliver.
๐ฌ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐:
If you run a business or simply love our city centre, weโd love to hear from you:
๐ What would you like Bangorโs BID to prioritise?
Comment below or ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐ฅ๐จ๐๐๐ฅ ๐๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ข๐ง๐๐ฌ๐ฌ that deserves to know about this!
