Derby’s Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) have published the prospectus outlining their ambitious plans to merge into a single Derby BID, which will also include the Becketwell area adjacent to the current BID areas.
The 24-page document has been posted to 1000 businesses across the city and comes after a public consultation and business survey to find out ways to bring the city together.
After direct conversations, business visits, workshops and briefings, businesses identified objectives to help strengthen and improve coordinated services.
It found that communication and practical support to businesses, investment support and creating a stronger partnership with additional funding were key factors.
Detailed in the prospectus, Derby’s Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) revealed that their Rangers completed more than 19,000 hours on duty and carried out 23,000 business visits – alongside more than 3,200 recorded public or ambassadorial engagements.
As part of the trusted partnership with businesses, and working with city stakeholders it also provided:
- Regular crime meetings and Safer Business Action Days to give businesses direct access to Police, PCSOs and Public Protection Officers.
- Joint work with city partners to help Derby retain Purple Flag accreditation for 13 consecutive years.
- Provided trauma kits, defibrillators and CPR training in Derby.
- Provided Community Action Group meetings to coordinate responses to homelessness, rough sleeping and persistent anti-social behaviour.
- Has developed several citywide events attracting thousands in visitors such as Jurassic Day, the Mod event, Character meet and greets and Christmas markets.
Brad Worley, BID Manager for Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, said: “This prospectus showcases just how much we can achieve when we work together.
“Our Rangers have supported businesses and visitors, events have brought families into the city, and our partnership has helped businesses voice issues that matter.
“The results are visible in the day-to-day life of the city centre. Businesses have had a regular point of contact on the street, visitors receive a warm welcome and we signpost environmental issues with the right authorities.”
The prospectus highlights Derby’s changing landscape and heaps praise on the city’s new Becketwell area, which has brought new leisure, cultural and residential investment into the heart of the city.
Helen Wathall MBE, chair of the St Peters Quarter Business Improvement District (BID), said: “One stronger, single BID will join us all up and create a greater voice.
“One Derby BID does not mean it is about making every part of the city look the same – it is about combining resources, expertise and priorities and giving us a stronger foundation.”
Fraser Cunningham, Chair of the board of the Cathedral Quarter BID and partner at law firm Smith Partnership, believes that one voice is a loud voice.
He said: “The development of the Derby BID proposal has been informed by consultation with businesses across Cathedral Quarter, St Peters Quarter and Becketwell.
“The process was designed to understand how we can collectively invest and make the greatest difference during the next five years.
“A detailed business survey was supported by direct conversations, business visits, workshops, briefings and opportunities to provide written feedback.
“This allowed the research to identify priorities shared across the proposed BID area while also recognising that different locations and sectors experience the city centre in different ways.
“This prospectus should be read in conjunction with the full BID Proposal and Business Plan, but I am proud of what this could mean to our city.
“As one single BID, we can join together and be the voice for all the businesses.”
Ballot papers will be issued to businesses in Cathedral Quarter, St Peters Quarter and Becketwell on Thursday, October 15, starting the month-long ballot period. Business will vote on the proposal to create Derby BID. If approved, Derby BID will begin operating in St Peters Quarter and Becketwell on April 1, 2027. Cathedral Quarter will continue under its existing BID arrangements until February 28, 2028, before joining Derby BID on March 1, 2028.
This prospectus can be read in conjunction with the full Business Improvement District Proposal and Business Plan, available at www.derbybid.co.uk. For further information, email info@derbybid.co.uk or call 01332 419053.
