Sunderland Bid

General information

SUNDERLAND BID

The Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) is a business-led and business funded independent not-for-profit company run for the benefit of Sunderland City Centre.

What’s it all about?

Sunderland city centre is blessed with many cultural and historic assets and has much to offer visitors, however it has not fully reached it’s potential. The Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) aims to create a more vibrant, prosperous, cleaner and safer city centre for all to be proud of.

Over 182 Business Improvement Districts have been launched in the UK including those in Newcastle, Durham, London, Edinburgh and Liverpool. Following their success the Sunderland BID Launched in April, 2014, voted for by city centre businesses who agreed to pay an additional amount on their business rates to fund activities and services above and beyond those provided by Sunderland Council and other organisations.

The Sunderland BID aims to generate funds in excess of £3.4 million over a five year term to re-energise and revitalise the city centre. The Sunderland BID will be at the heart of promoting a programme of quality and sustainable events throughout the year to attract a wide range of visitors – including families – creating a positive image for Sunderland and bringing real benefits for city centre businesses.

The Sunderland BID will focus on these key areas:
• Marketing the city centre and what is has to offer
• Creating and supporting events and festivals
• Making the city safer
• Creating a sense of pride in the city
• Invigorating the evening economy
• Improving access to the city centre
• Ensuring a strong business voice is heard in the city

What to expect in the future?

In order to achieve the Sunderland BID goals to increase footfall, dwell time and drive economy to making a positive impact on improving the city centre, the BID will:

• Build on providing the best Christmas experience in Sunderland city centre with an exciting programme of events
• Develop festivals that support other major events – such as the Stadium of Light concerts and the Sunderland Empire shows
• Support and enhance Sunderland’s entry for Britain in Bloom and future opportunities to capitalise on its impact
• Promote the impact of major regeneration initiatives such as the St Mary’s Way realignment, City Square and the Crowtree Leisure Centre clearance
• Increase the number and quality of markets in the city centre
• Engage with business to create activities and events that take place on key dates throughout the city centre to encourage more visitors and invigorating experiences
• Develop a compelling offer to drive a vibrant evening economy and encourage people to enjoy the city’s restaurants, bars and culture

Sunderland Experience It Here

To achieve the key areas of focus the Sunderland BID have developed the SUNDERLAND EXPERIENCE IT HERE brand which will be used to promote what’s on, great offers, vibrant events and much more in the heart of the city.