Local businesses in New Addington have secured £30,000 funding to regenerate the area, following a vote to continue the business improvement district for five more years.
Over 80 per cent of New Addington businesses voted to renew its status as a BID providing the area with additional, improved services. Previous services have included extra safety, cleaning or environmental measures, which are all funded by taxes on businesses who support the partnership.
Councillor Mark Watson said: “I’m delighted businesses have backed New Addington BID for a second term. Croydon is changing rapidly and it is a key priority for the council to ensure New Addington residents and businesses benefit from the economic growth in the borough.”
New Addington first became a BID in 2012, holding the title of the smallest one in the UK. It’s currently formed of all the businesses on Central Parade and Salcot Crescent, as well as the market and council-owned buildings.
In its first five years, Croydon Council contributed £13,230 to the BID levy.
Local businesses praised the decision to continue the scheme. Tony Pearson, managing director of Rowland Brothers, New Addington’s funeral directors, told East London Lines: “Businesses have benefited from improved street furniture, cleansing and publicity. Improved community activities bring people into the main district centre; New Addington is very much a community and residents respond well to businesses that get involved in things like Carnival, Armed Forces Day and the Poppy Appeal.”
Priorities for the next five years of the scheme include bringing businesses together, investing in safety, brightening streets and improving perceptions of New Addington.
Oliver Lewis, a councillor for New Addington told EastLondonLines: “The BID really brings the community together and pulls resources. For example, for Remembrance Day all of the different businesses had poppies in the shops for the children to find. It’s all about the partnership working.”
According to its mission statement, the BID scheme aims to make “visitors, customers and employees of local businesses feel safe and business premises more secure.” It also hopes to make areas accessible and attractive to visitors.
Ken Burgess, chairman of New Addington’s BID, said: “We are absolutely over the moon to get such a positive and resounding result from our members. As the smallest BID in the UK, every pound goes a long way. Central Parade Business Partnership is a true partnership, not just involving traders, but everyone else involved including a range of departments at Croydon Council.”
