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What is a BID?

Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) play an increasingly important role in the functioning and sustainability of London. These public-private partnerships have become a respected tool and facilitator within communities to carry out additional services to the local council and other vital public services. BIDs have also become champions for retention of business rates within central London, collaboration in tackling the issue of air pollution and better integration of public and private spaces.

In October 2013 the business community around Trafalgar Square, Strand and Aldwych voted to create The Northbank Business Improvement District (BID); and was renewed for a second term in 2018 with 94% in favour.

In response to a wide-spread feeling that the area was tired and undesirable, as well as other challenges to the wellbeing of the area, a diverse community from academia, the corporate world, and the culture and hospitality sectors united behind the shared goal of enhancing the area’s integrity and appeal in the face of constant change and competition.

By strengthening our area’s identity, cleanliness and safety, the Northbank BID strives to continually improve the experience of people working, living and studying here, while attracting a higher number of business visitors and tourists.

Today, the Northbank is being transformed into a vibrant 24-hour destination through an ambitious programme of initiatives designed to complement the area’s impressive cultural, entertainment and corporate assets. International tourists flock to see world-famous landmarks; domestic visitors, local workers, residents and students meet friends and explore historic – and increasingly pedestrian-friendly – streets and public gardens; and multinational organisations build a home for themselves here.

By working in partnership with Westminster City Council, the GLA, TfL, the Metropolitan Police and others to upgrade daily operations and influence longer-term strategy, we have already taken great strides towards creating a brighter and more sustainable future for the Northbank.

Our Story So Far

First

Christmas lights on the Strand

£1m

of additional income into the area

100

double-decker buses of rubbish & recycling collected

Our initiatives

Cleaning & Greening

Community Safety & Business Resilience

Environmental, Social & Governance

Destination

Placemaking