THE manager of a scheme which has dedicated the last five years to improving Chester city centre for businesses is calling for firm support to help continue its work.

CH1ChesterBID manager Carl Critchlow has unveiled a new five-year plan which he says will see £2 million invested into the city centre to attract visitors, support traders and benefit the local economy.

Mr Critchlow was speaking at an exclusive event for BID (Business Improvement District) businesses – of which there are nearly 500 in the city centre – at BarLounge on Watergate Street, to officially release the business plan for 2019-24.

The plan of proposed improvements comes ahead of a crucial re-ballot to take place between June 7 and July 4.

All businesses within the city centre catchment zone with a rateable value over £18,000 will be eligible to vote and, in order to be successful, the BID vote has to achieve at least 51 per cent of the total rateable value and 51 per cent of the eligible businesses.

Should the renewal be given the thumbs-up, CH1ChesterBID says it has plans for a host of new business forums with key stakeholders to ensure city centre businesses continue to have a powerful voice in Chester.

The implementation of a unique Chester Gift Card to further increase return visits and support both independents and high street stores is also in the plans, which have been published online at www.ch1chesterbid.co.uk.

Mr Critchlow said: “Now, more than ever, our city centre businesses need a team that will support them and champion a better trading environment to ensure future success on our high street.

“Our objective over the last five years has been to enhance the city centre experience and it’s something we strongly believe we’ve accomplished.

“We’ve played a leading role in incredible events - including the annual Christmas parade and lights switch-on - supported the night-time economy, continuously cleansed the streets and provided the city with two of its most recognisable faces – our much-loved Welcome Ambassadors Luka and Monica.

“We’ve listened to the needs of local businesses and we’ve made things happen. Now we want to build on everything we’ve achieved and do even more to benefit our local economy.”

During its first term, CH1ChesterBID, which began in 2014 and is funded by city centre businesses, has invested more than £2.5 million in the city centre.

The new Business Plan would see a further £2 million invested until 2024.

Mr Critchlow continued: “Looking ahead, we’re ambitious about the future and have some really fresh ideas, as our business plan shows.

"Without the support of CH1ChesterBID, the city will lose out on co-ordinated events and marketing campaigns, city centre management clean-up initiatives, the Welcome Ambassadors and a strong voice on key city centre issues. That’s why it’s crucial that businesses take the time to register their vote and support us during the renewal ballot.”

The results of the ballot will be announced on Friday July 5. If the outcome goes in favour of CH1ChesterBID continuing, the organisation will continue its work for another five years until the end of August 2024.

For more information about CH1ChesterBID, visit www.ch1chesterbid.co.uk.