Under BID legislation a ballot must be held to establish whether members wish to renew the BID arrangements for a further five years or wind the BID company up.

Councillors on the Community and Enterprise Committee agreed that the Discover Lanark Business Improvement District (BID) proposals for the period 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2029 should be supported to proceed to its second ballot.

The committee also approved that the council will continue to work with Discover Lanark BID to help deliver a range of events with additional support continuing from the council’s Economic Development Services staff.

For more information please read the BID business plan. Additional info is also available in Discover Lanark’s Next Steps

Councillor Robert Brown, the chair of the council’s Community and Enterprise Resources Committee said: “I am delighted the committee agreed to support the BID programme to proceed to second ballot.

“Since the BID first came into being back in 2019, it has successfully delivered its business plans to support and improve the area.

“As well as a variety of business initiatives, it has also undertaken projects and initiatives in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council including the Christmas Lights Switch On, Jurassic Lanark, a Classic Car Event, Lanark Winter Wonderland, The Space @ Hyndford Place, Wellgate Light Ceiling, markets and themes events.

“I look forward to seeing what can be achieved in the next five years if the ballot returns a positive result.”

The current 5-year term of the BID operation comes to an end on 31 August 2024.

A Business Improvement District (BID) is a geographically defined area, where businesses come together and agree to invest collectively in projects and services the businesses believe will improve their trading environment.