The board, made up of local businesses and organisations, will steer the development of the proposal covering the town centre and Old Town. It will set priorities, outline a draft programme and guide further consultation over the coming months.
The initiative was first proposed by Swindon Borough Council and is being supported by officers, but the process is now being led by businesses. The group is meeting regularly as the project moves through the design and engagement phase.
The Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub has been commissioned to carry out early engagement work. This includes door-to-door visits with businesses that would pay the BID levy.
More than 65 per cent of businesses approached so far have responded “definitely yes” or “yes” when asked if they would support a new BID. This mirrors themes identified in feasibility work completed by The Means, which highlighted demand for improvements in safety, place activation and business support.
Leadership roles for the Shadow Board have now been confirmed. Laura James, Theatre Director at the Wyvern Theatre, has been appointed Chair. Kris Talkowski has taken on the role of Vice-Chair.
Discussions are ongoing about including Old Town within the BID boundary. The Old Town Business Association has suggested an 80 per cent ringfence model so most of the levy collected in Old Town remains in that area.
An online poll of Old Town businesses is expected in the coming weeks to measure support before any decision is made.
Councillor Jim Robbins, Leader of Swindon Borough Council, said:
“Our Heart of Swindon vision aims to breathe new life into the town centre and re-establishing the BID is an important step in making the improvements we all want to see.
“The Shadow BID Board is now leading the development of the BID, and the early feedback from businesses shows there is genuine appetite for a coordinated approach to improving safety, vibrancy and confidence. This is a positive moment for Swindon, and we will continue to support businesses as they shape what the BID could deliver.”
Laura James, Chair of the Shadow BID Board, said:
“Swindon’s business community has shown real willingness to engage with this process, and that has been reflected in the strong early feedback. Our role now is to listen carefully, understand the priorities that matter most, and build a proposal that genuinely supports businesses across the town centre and Old Town.”
“The enthusiasm we are hearing gives me confidence that a well-designed BID can make a tangible difference.”
Kris Talkowski, Vice-Chair of the Shadow BID Board and Chair of the Old Town Business Association, said:
“The message we are hearing from businesses is consistent: they want a safer, more active and more confident town. A BID gives us the opportunity to work together and invest in those improvements collectively.”
“The Old Town Businesses Association have been part of this conversation from the start, and the upcoming poll will give a clear indication of how they want to be involved. Our focus is on building something credible, accountable and genuinely business-led.”
The project is around halfway through its planning stage. A ballot of levy-eligible businesses is expected early in the new year.
Further consultation will take place as the board continues defining priorities and shaping a programme that reflects the needs of Swindon businesses.
For more information or to take part in the consultation, visit www.swindonbid.co.uk
