A ballot on creating a Business Improvement District (BID) in Wrexham has been delayed over concerns that ongoing High Street improvement works could affect how traders vote.
Work to establish an initiative where businesses pay an annual levy to fund schemes aimed at boosting trade in the city centre was initially set in motion in mid-2019.
The outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020 was one of the factors which later led to a feasibility study being put on hold.
After work restarted, a poll of business owners on whether to proceed with setting up a BID in Wrexham was originally meant to take place in March this year.
However, a report to councillors has revealed how a decision was taken for the vote to be pushed back until October.
It followed concerns being raised that the way traders voted could have been influenced by disruption caused by improvement work currently taking place on the city's High Street.
In the document, Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council's lead member for economy and regeneration, said: “The timeline has been updated due to a number of factors affecting the position of a BID in Wrexham.
“The decision was made to extend the timeline due to the changing landscape of the city centre over the coming months and years.
“The development of High Street and making it a pedestrianised event zone to encourage alfresco dining is a huge change to the city, which will be transformational.
“From the BID’s perspective, the High Street is in the middle of the BID boundary which could potentially influence the ballot due to the extensive building work that will be taking place and the disruption to businesses.”
There are currently more than 320 BIDs in operation in the UK, including in nearby locations such as Chester and Shrewsbury.
The local authority previously said a BID would be "a different way to manage and promote" Wrexham, offering potential benefits to businesses.
In order to proceed to the next stage of the process, at least 51 per cent of traders within a defined area of the city centre will need to vote in favour.
If successful, a business-led organisation would be set up to identify projects and run the BID.
Cllr Williams added: “A levy is charged on all business rate payers in addition to the business rates bill to fund these activities. This will not replace council services.
“A service level agreement would be created outlining a clear set of objectives from the start to ensure both the council and the BID work in conjunction.”
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The updated timeline shows a full business plan for the BID is expected to be published in September, followed by a campaign to inform traders of the plans.
A ballot would then take place in October, with the BID launching from November onwards if businesses vote in favour of creating one.
The report will be discussed by members of the council's employment, business and investment scrutiny committee when they meet on Wednesday (September 4, 2024).
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