Following a renewal ballot that took place in March and April – and the first five years as an operational Business Improvement District (BID) – traders and firms in Milngavie have made the collective decision to build on the successes achieved.
Of those traders in the town centre eligible to vote, 52 voted in favour of continuing for another five years and 33 voted against (turnout of 65.91%).
Graeme Ross, Chair of the Milngavie BID and local business owner, said, “We are obviously really pleased with the vote of confidence by businesses in Milngavie for the BID, based on our achievements up to now.
“However, we do appreciate it is very important that we build on our strengths and not be complacent, especially in today’s environment.
“We are already focusing our attentions on delivering the plan that business owners voted on. The new Milngavie.co.uk website has already been built and will be going live once all businesses have been added. This will be our central marketing tool moving forward, as can be seen from the new street banners installed this week.
“We are now planning the designs of our Milngavie Gift Card and plan to have it operational by the summer. We also have our ‘Healthy Habits’ event on Saturday 27 April to bring families into the town for an afternoon of fun and activity, and are very pleased to confirm that we will be able to continue providing funds to Milngavie in Bloom for the next five years.”
Councillor Billy Hendry, Convener of the Council’s Place, Neighbourhood & Corporate Assets Committee, said, “These are exciting times for Milngavie town centre and I look forward to seeing the BID plan come to fruition, with continuing support from the Council – including fresh funding of £150,000.
“Well done to everyone associated with Milngavie BID for the excellent work completed so far and the positive ballot result. It is important we continue to work together to ensure Milngavie is the very best it can be, providing a variety of shops, services and amenities for local residents and the many visitors who flock to the town.”
The Council agreed earlier this year to contribute £30,000 annually to the BID – if businesses voted in favour of its continuation – equating to a £150,000 financial investment over the five-year period.
The Milngavie Town Centre BID Ltd Company will have to go through a number of formalities when the first term officially ends on 30 April and the new term begins on 1 May.
The existing volunteer board of directors will continue for a maximum of three months and can stand for the board again. There is also an opportunity for any other levy payers to take an active involvement in operations and delivering the business plan to 2024. Nominations to join the board will be open until 31 May.
For further detailed information about the improvement district for Milngavie, the full business plan can be downloaded in the Plan to 2024 section of this website. You can also visit www.eastdunbarton.gov.uk/council/elections-and-voting/milngavie-bid-renewal-ballot
* Milngavie town centre businesses voted in favour of their first term business improvement district in 2014, for five years to 30 April 2019.
* There are currently 40 BIDs in Scotland and a further 20 in development or renewal stages. It is a Scottish Government supported programme via www.ImprovementDistricts.scot and www.scotlandstowns.org
* There will be a healthy choice of thrilling fun for all the family in Milngavie this Saturday (27 April.)
Milngavie BID – supported by the Council – is hosting its first Healthy Habits event from noon-4pm, with an array of free attractions lined up, such as:
- Breathtaking BMX stunt shows by The Clan (Douglas Street car park – 12.15pm, 1.30pm and 3.30pm)
- Bungee run
- Bouncy castle & slide
- Soft play area
- Smoothie-making bikes
- Sumo suits (children and adults)
- Climbing wall
- Pillow Warz
- Assault course
- Face painting
- Football Shoot out
- A variety of stall-holders and more.
Heart radio presenter Zoe Kelly will also be attending and there will be prizes up for grabs. In addition, a Family Danceathon will take place in aid of the STV Children’s Appeal in Milngavie Town Hall (3-4.30pm).
Families are being encouraged to walk and cycle to the event – promoting health and wellbeing – with improved bike shelters available.
If you are driving, then the Council has agreed that charges will be suspended for the day at its car parks in Milngavie town centre – meaning you can park for free and enjoy the activities.
The event is being supported by local businesses, organisations and the Council – which recently helped to fund infrastructure works on the West Highland Way.
