East Suffolk Council have given the go-ahead for Lowestoft Vision to continue its work for another five years.
Businesses in Lowestoft have voted ‘yes’ to continue with Lowestoft Vision - the business improvement district for the town.
Of the votes cast by eligible retailers and businesses in the town, 77% of those that voted have said that they want to further boost investment and visitor numbers to the town to make it a great place to visit, shop, work, and stay.
Businesses within the BID (business improvement district) zone were given 28 days to vote on the continuation of Lowestoft Vision for a further five years from April 2023, to which the ballot papers were independently collated and verified and the results were announced on Friday, November 4 by East Suffolk Council.
Lowestoft Vision is a community organisation that was established in 2013, after a number of businesses and organisations voted in favour of creating a BID for the town.
Danny, Chairman of the Lowestoft Vision Business Improvement District, said: “The last few years have been exceptionally challenging for businesses in our town, so we are both humbled and delighted that they have chosen to continue to invest in their town, the community and the future.
“We now have a fantastic opportunity to build on our successes from the past 10 years and to represent and promote the vast range of businesses and retailers our town has to offer.”
Amie Mullen, Lowestoft Vision BID Manager, added: “A huge thank you to all our BID businesses for your support and encouragement over the past five years, and for voting yes to allowing us to continue to provide services and projects, some of which are now well established alongside new ones planned across the next five years.”
Four key themes make up the business plan for the coming five years, outlining support for Regenerate, Pride of Place, Protect and Represent.
This is to provide the continued service and community support that Lowestoft and surrounding areas rely on. Included is the continuing funding for a Police Community Support Officer who patrols the town, as well as an enhanced Christmas decoration and floral display, as well as support for local businesses on regeneration plans, enhanced visitor engagement through the Discover Lowestoft website and social media, and a number of events and trails to attract footfall.
The number represents 82% of the businesses who voted, calculated in terms of rateable value.
