Explaining Culture Mile and its BID

Revise +Culture Mile - summary document
+Explainer locations 

Aim of the Explainer


The first phase promised …
Cuts and COVID …
BID offers more funding but a perhaps change of ownership …
The key ideas were …

In January 2023 businesses in the north west of the City will vote on whether to establish an organisation to raise £1.8 million in the first year and “put business the driving seat” for improvement plans.  
If agreed it will be the fifth business improvement district in the City. It will differ from others in covering the City’s cultural district, which also has the highest concentration of residents.
In effect businesses will also be voting to underpin the finances of the second phase of the City’s Culture Mile programme, which has suffered from cuts since it launched in 2017.
The BID proposals suggest residents could have a say in future developments through a community forum and representation on steering groups.
This explainer aims to provide residents and businesses with a briefing on those aspects of the BID and future Culture Mile programme where they may have shared interests, and where priorities may or may not align. 
It focusses on the Culture Mile Look and Feel strategy, published in 2018, which covered improvements to the public realm like greening, easier walking and cycling, and reduction in air pollution. These issues were given priority in a 2022 survey of businesses.
The BID proposals aim to build on the Look and Feel report, which also covered public information systems, community engagement, and innovative ways to support visitors and others exploring the rich heritage of the area.

Summary

The Culture Mile programme and BID - highlights
Funding cuts and pandemic
  • Businesses voting for Culture Mile phase 2
  • Building on Look and Feel
  • In the driving seat

FAQs

The programme
  • Why was Culture Mile launched, and what is the programme now
  • What is the Culture Mile BID
  • What might Culture Mile become in its second phase
  • Who is directing and managing Culture Mile

The plans
  • What is the current plan for Culture Mile
  • Where are the major developments in the area
  • Where are improvements likely to take place

The public realm
  • What might Culture Mile look like on the ground
  • Who will be responsible for 
  • How will people find out about Culture Mile plans and activities
  • Why is Culture Mile important
  • How can residents engage with Culture Mile

Context: City plans