New prospectus sets out benefits of ambitious ‘Derby BID’ plan

The Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter Business Improvement Districts have published a prospectus outlining their ambitious plans to merge into a single Derby BID.

The 24-page document has been posted to 1,000 businesses across the city and comes after a public consultation and business survey to find out ways to bring the BIDs – along with the Becketwell area – together.

After direct conversations, business visits, workshops and briefings, businesses identified objectives to help strengthen and improve coordinated services.

It found that communication and practical support to businesses, investment support and creating a stronger partnership with additional funding were key factors.

Detailed in the prospectus, the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter BIDs revealed that their Rangers completed more than 19,000 hours on duty and carried out 23,000 business visits – alongside more than 3,200 recorded public or ambassadorial engagements.

It also sets out how the BIDs have worked with businesses and other stakeholders to address crime, homelessness and make the city centre safer, while also organising events, which have attracting thousands of visitors.

Brad Worley, BID manager for the Cathedral Quarter and St Peters Quarter, said: “This prospectus showcases just how much we can achieve when we work together.

“Our Rangers have supported businesses and visitors, events have brought families into the city, and our partnership has helped businesses voice issues that matter.

“The results are visible in the day-to-day life of the city centre. Businesses have had a regular point of contact on the street; visitors receive a warm welcome and we signpost environmental issues with the right authorities.”

The prospectus highlights Derby’s changing landscape and heaps praise on the city’s new Becketwell area, which has brought new leisure, cultural and residential investment into the heart of the city.

Helen Wathall MBE, chair of the St Peters Quarter BID, said:“ One stronger, single BID will join us all up and create a greater voice.

“One Derby BID does not mean it is about making every part of the city look the same – it is about combining resources, expertise and priorities and giving us a stronger foundation.”

Fraser Cunningham, chair of the board of the Cathedral Quarter BID and partner at law firm Smith Partnership, said: “The development of the Derby BID proposal has been informed by consultation with businesses across Cathedral Quarter, St Peters Quarter and Becketwell.

“The process was designed to understand how we can collectively invest and make the greatest difference during the next five years.

“As one single BID, we can join together and be the voice for all the businesses.”

Ballot papers have now been issued to businesses in the Cathedral Quarter, St Peters Quarter and Becketwell starting the month-long ballot period.

If approved, Derby BID will begin operating in St Peters Quarter and Becketwell on April 1.

The Cathedral Quarter will continue under its existing BID arrangements until February 28, 2028, before joining Derby BID on March 1, 2028.

To read the prospectus, in conjunction with the full BID Proposal and Business Plan, click here.