Seafront BID is all set to make waves

Businesses along Sunderland's coastline are all set to enter a new era today (May 1) with the official launch of the Seafront BID.

At the counting of the ballot, held in March, the total percentage of votes cast in favour was 90.9 per cent, giving the Seafront BID a first term mandate until March 2029.

The new BID will be run alongside and by Sunderland Business Improvement District which also runs the City Centre BID and is extending its remit to develop a new, consistent and joined-up approach across both sides of the river.

Connectivity - which will be helped by the fact the BID also now includes the Sheepfolds - between the coast and the city centre is one of the main priorities, with a view to promoting everything Sunderland has to offer to a wider audience.

The first priority for the seafront will be the "look and feel" of the area, with a planned audit of the existing infrastructure to identify any gaps or any possible opportunities that are not currently being recognised.

The Street Rangers - who carry out a range of support activities for businesses across the city centre, from sorting out litter problems to graffiti removal as well as planting and painting - will also now work across the seafront.

Initially this will include identifying and updating outdated signage and improving areas that have been unloved.

Implementing safety and security schemes along with cross promoting the city centre and the seafront to people in both areas are also on the first "to do" list.

The BID is working closely with Sunderland City Council on a new tourism strategy for the city and will be ensuring that the voice of the seafront businesses is part of any decision making.

It will also be looking at ways of promoting the area to both residents and visitors, to ensure that it gets the awareness and footfall it deserves.

The team will work with established events at the Seafront and encourage businesses to lend them their support and to get behind them.

And they will also aim to encourage more businesses at the Seafront to participate with Sunderland Restaurant Week, Cocktail Week and the Sunderland Gift Card.

Sharon Appleby, Chief Executive of both BIDs, is looking forward to work getting underway.

"This is a landmark day," she said. "We are delighted with the confidence that the businesses along the seafront have shown in supporting the BID and their understanding of what a massive boost this will be in promoting and improving the area.

"Sunderland's coast is a huge asset and we need to make sure that we get maximum benefit out of that asset.

"Being able to link the city centre, the Sheepfolds and now the seafront can only be good for Sunderland as a whole and for the city economy."

Find out more about the Seafront BID at sunderlandbid.co.uk/seafrontbid