Kirkwall businesses in favour of BID plan

Businesses in Kirkwall today voted overwhelmingly in favour of establishing a Business Improvement District in the town.

The ballot ended at 5pm yesterday, Thursday, and the votes counted in OIC council chambers this afternoon – 163 votes were cast with 135 voting yes.

The Kirkwall Business Improvement District (BID) will give town centre businesses a unique opportunity to directly influence developments that will bring new life and energy to the area over the next five years and beyond. Through the BID, a series of activities and projects will be planned aimed at increasing footfall in the town and delivering a strong trading environment to support employment.

Proposed projects include a ‘Shop Local’ campaign, an increase in web marketing and improved Christmas lighting. These will be funded through a compulsory levy on the businesses in the BID area, dependent on the rateable value of the property.