“Collaboration sits at the heart of the BID model. Understanding the value that each member of our community can contribute to projects is vital. We want to harness the potential of all the communities that make up the Culture Mile area, unlocking new opportunities for all”.
“Culture and creativity can be transformative tools that bring businesses, visitors and residents together, developing a connected community that has a shared sense of pride. The Culture Mile BID will be able to do more, support area wide enhancement and amplify the significant assets we have throughout the Culture Mile area”.
Priority areas
It reports that engagement with the business community identified four priority area
Developing a sustainable environment
Working together to build a better connected business community
Harnessing the area’s culture to build a vibrant streetscape
Building the area into a major destination for visitors and to retain and attract investment
Within each area there are proposals that could directly benefit or otherwise affect residents. I have extracted some example, and suggested issues that residents may wish to raise:
Sustainable environment
As a valued partner in the delivery of the City of London Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy, the BID will drive an ambitious sustainability agenda in line with UN Sustainable Development Goals and play an integral part in making the City greener, cleaner, less polluting, and more resilient. It will partner with Transport for London, the GLA, landowners and other bodies to drive and realise ambitions, and invest in projects and programmes that find better ways to do business in more sustainable, climate resilient ways.
Objectives particularly relevant to residents
Support a significant increase in on-street planting throughout the area, with robust designs that improve biodiversity, provide sustainable drainage and cool streets
Work with the City of London Corporation to identify and bring forward improved routes and infrastructure for active travel, and promote these alongside existing walking and cycling options
Campaign to improve air quality and work with the City of London Corporation and partners such as the Cross River Partnership to address levels of carbon emissions in Beech Street
The BID will help the area’s businesses to make new connections, provide a means to collectively address challenges to business growth and help to unlock the huge potential for innovation across the area. It will provide practical opportunities for people working in the area to collaborate and learn. It will champion diversity, inclusion, and social mobility while providing a bridge between commerce and culture.
Objectives particularly relevant to residents
Create a business directory to connect the area’s diverse business sectors
Promote events and activities happening across the area through a centralised approach to marketing and communications
Matchmake local resident needs with relevant business offers to increase direct support‘on the doorstep’ for residential communities
Develop a similar programme connecting businesses, schools and colleges – through workplace visits, work experience opportunities, careers advice and apprenticeships – in partnership with Culture Mile Learning
Can these connecting activities be design with residents, and not just for them?
Inspiring places
The BID will drive a high-quality placemaking programme to bring vibrancy to the streetscape and deliver a culture-led public realm – stimulating imaginations and supporting wellbeing and productivity. It will ensure that Culture Mile’s significance as an area is clear to the talent that does business here and to companies looking to relocate to and to invest in the area. The BID will take action to improve wayfinding, highlight the area’s remarkable heritage, and support its independent retail and hospitality offer to thrive.
Priority areas
Sustainable environment
Connected business community
Inspiring places