The Love Wimbledon Business Improvement District (BID) ballot result was announced late last week. Wimbledon businesses voted overwhelmingly in favour of implementing this exciting new business-led, business-funded body for Wimbledon town centre.

A quick overview of the results show that 70% of businesses voted in favour of the BID representing 65% of rateable value.  Turnout was 36%.

This positive result means that the Love Wimbledon BID will start operating on 1st April 2012.  Priorities for the BID include:

• Improving the appearance and environment of Wimbledon town centre by addressing concerns with waste and litter, providing regular outdoor events and performances and additional planting and lighting

• Ensuring the businesses, attractions and facilites of Wimbledon town centre are promoted and represented through a comprehensive online directory and website, coordinated lobbying as a strong collective voice for businesses in the area and a focus on transport ad congestion.

• Providing a range of services to businesses such as free business recycling, savings through joint procurement of common supplies,  ‘One Stop Shop’ aassistance with matters relating to the trading environment and support for the evening economy.

Love Wimbledon becomes the 125th BID in Great Britain. Other BIDs include Kingston First, Croydon Town Centre BID and the New West End Company which covers London’s West End.

Paul Windsor, Chairman of the Love Wimbledon BID Campaign and Partner at WSM said “I am delighted that the businesses of Wimbledon have got behind Love Wimbledon and given such a strong mandate to this important business-led initiative.  Love Wimbledon will drive forward a powerful, focused agenda for change for the businesses of Wimbledon Town Centre and ensure a brighter future for all of us.” 

About Love Wimbledon:

Love Wimbledon Limited will start operating on 1st April 2012 as a not-for-proft company limited by guarantee.  It will operate for an initial term of 5 years after which renewal ballots can secure further five year terms.   

Love Wimbledon’s plans for its first five year term are set out in the Love Wimbledon BID Proposal, which can be found at www.lovewimbledon.org

The Key Aim and Objectives of Love Wimbledon are:

Key Aim

To make Wimbledon town centre an attractive, safe, well presented and represented location of choice for business, visitors and residents.

Strategic Objectives:

1. Attractive, Vibrant, Cared for: To ensure Wimbledon town centre is attractive, vibrant and cared for
2. Connected and Presented: To ensure the businesses, attractions and facilities of Wimbledon town centre are connected, clearly presented and represented with a strong collective voice
3. Services to business: To provide services to support existing businesses and attract new ones

Members of the current Love Wimbledon Shadow Board are:

WSM Accountants; Morrisons Solicitors, Centre Court Shopping Centre; The Polka Theatre; The Terrace and The Communication Workers Union.  This board will be formalised and expanded following the successful ballot result.  The Love Wimbledon BID Board has appointed the Merton Chamber of Commerce to operate the BID under their direction.

Business Improvement Districts can only be implemented following a successful ballot of eligible businesses and must be voted in by majority in number and in rateable value.

For further information or  interviews, please contact:

Tracy Francis - tracy@lovewimbledon.org

Diana Sterck - diana@lovewimbledon.org

Tel: 020 8944 5501