Elgin businesses say ‘Yes’ in BID ballot

An initiative to regenerate Elgin city centre and make it a more appealing place to shop and relax has won the backing of the local business community.

In an all-important ballot, businesses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of establishing an Elgin BID (Business Improvement District).

It means that local businesses themselves will play an increasingly important part in improving the city centre by attracting new investment and creating a more attractive environment for local people and visitors.

Money will be generated by each business within the designated BID area being charged a levy based on the rateable value of their premises.

The result of the ballot was announced in an open-air ceremony in the city centre today.

Of the 440 businesses eligible to vote, 45% returned their ballot papers to the Electoral Reform Society. Of those that voted, 75.25% came out in favour of establishing an Elgin BID.

Elgin becomes only the eighth community in Scotland to set up a Business Improvement District.

David Urquhart, chairman of the steering group which has spearheaded the Elgin BID initiative, said the result was a resounding vote of confidence in Elgin and the city centre.

“We now have a clear mandate to put in place what businesses and shoppers said they wanted the Elgin BID to deliver,” said Mr Urquhart.

“We now have two months to set up City of Elgin BID Ltd and to build on the excellent relationship we have with Moray Council and the businesses in the BID area.

“Our commitment is to deliver more and greater benefits for the city. We want to put the vibrancy back into the city centre and become a very strong voice for Elgin .”

Mr Urquhart said the steering group were particularly delighted at the level of support and enthusiasm they had received from the young people of Elgin .

“What we do today is what they will have to live with in the future and their interest and input was greatly appreciated.”

Councillor John Russell, chairman of Moray Council’s economic development and infrastructure services committee, said: “Today’s result is good news for Elgin businesses and Moray as a whole.

“David Urquhart has thanked all concerned, except himself. We were fortunate that we were able to call on David’s business experience and connections to steer us through the BIDS process and co-ordinate a sustained and innovative marketing campaign.

“Hopefully this vote of confidence in BIDS will encourage more business representatives to come on board and play a part in delivering the business plan.”

Councillor Russell added: “This is the end of the beginning. We have the mandate, now the real task of recreating a vibrant city centre for Elgin begins in earnest.”