Clarkston wins YES vote for town centre Business Improvement District

Businesses have given their staunch backing to plans to reinvigorate Clarkston town centre by delivering a ‘Yes’ vote for Scotland’s latest Business Improvement District (BID). The BID will raise some £80,000 in the first year and over £300,000 over five years towards projects aimed at enhancing the town centre. There are 132 businesses in the Clarkston BID area including the likes of Waterfall, Eat Deli, Nuala Ashe, Ollaberry, Autokits, Whispers, Tesco Express, Boots and the Cooperative.

The Clarkston BID business plan was developed in consultation with businesses and shoppers and as a result of this BID projects will include the creation of up to six new annual events to bring shoppers to the area, a marketing campaign to promote the area, the introduction of a shop improvement fund, the re-introduction of Christmas lighting, improved signage and a review of both parking and traffic flow. New banner points will be installed and a new retail forum will be created to allow issues and opportunities to be discussed between the businesses.

Gordon Brown, the project co-ordinator for the Clarkston BID said: ”I am delighted that we have secured a yes. The local businesses have been a great help in pulling together the plan and will now see the benefit of the BID as it begins to unfold. A lot of hard work has also gone into the planning and the consultation from the Steering Group and can I thank them for their hard work. ”

Paul Knight, chairman of the BID Steering Group said: “Well done to everyone in the area for having faith that we can make a difference. I see the BID as a great opportunity for Clarkston Town Centre to influence its own future. The BID is run by the local businesses FOR the local businesses and a positive ballot is an opportunity to create and sustain a vibrant town centre.”

The Clarkston BID is the tenth BID in Scotland and is sponsored by East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce and backed by East Renfrewshire Council; who will be contributing £20,000 towards the first year of the BID. Vincent Waters, President, East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce added: "East Ren Chamber of Commerce is delighted the businesses in Clarkston have supported the BID. We look forward to the positive benefits the BID will have for Clarkston business and for local people. The Chamber of Commerce is grateful to the Steering Committee of local retailers and to project coordinator Gordon Brown who have put such great effort into the project."