Inside... BUSINESS NEWS Record year for city centre investment
RETAIL NEWS New tenants boost for Metquarter
LET’S MEET Liverpool’s Healthy High Streets champion
CHRISTMAS GUIDE Festive programme for city centre unveiled
RENEWAL BALLOT Ballot date for Commercial District set
SPOTLIGHT ON Award winning agency has designs on Bold St
CHRISTMAS 2015
Jack is back! The Snowflake Trail returns
2
WELCOME TO ThIS PUBLICATION
Contents 3 10 YEARS OF THE BID 5 BUSINESS NEWS 6 LET’S MEET 7 RETAIL NEWS 8 DOWN YOUR STREET 9 CITY NEWS 10 CHRISTMAS GUIDE 12 TOP HIGHLIGHTS 14 RENEWAL BALLOT 16 SPOTLIGHT ON 17 BID UPDATE 18 BULLETIN BOARD ThIS Magazine produced by the Liverpool BID Company Editor: Michael Doran - Liverpool BID Designer: Álvaro Costela Sánchez - Liverpool BID No part of this magazine may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission of the distributor. The articles in this magazine are for information purposes only. Liverpool BID Company assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information; nor for any actions taken in reliance thereon. The information contained about each individual, event or organisation has been provided by such individual, event organiser or organisation with permission. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the Liverpool BID Company. If you would like to promote your company/product to more than 1,500 businesses, employing more than 75,000 people in Liverpool city centre, please contact the Liverpool BID Company at:
Chief Exec’s Welcome Welcome to our final BID magazine of 2015 - and what a year it’s been! Liverpool city centre has had a record 12 months of investment, construction activity and lettings – across the retail, office and leisure sectors (pg 5). From Old Hall Street and Castle Street to Queen Square and Bold Street scaffolding has been a constant sight. The sheer volume of new businesses and the sale of properties such as India Buildings and Metquarter are clear indicators the market has turned a corner. The BID Company has played its part too, with the £1.4m public realm programme in the Commercial District enhancing the experience of your working environment. To sum up 2015 in one word, it would have to be: Confidence. And this momentum will continue into 2016, when the city is once again in the business spotlight as it hosts IFB in June and July (pg 13). Before then the Devolution Deal will be sent to government – and Ged Fitzgerald’s call for a region wide investment strategy, based on partnerships, is something the private sector must grasp with both hands. Liverpool is not yet the finished article. There are long
term issues and public sector funding cuts are hurting. But the vision is now being set out. And planning is everything. We know this only too well at the BID Company as we are currently puttting together the 5 year business plan for the Commercial District. Feedback from businesses has been excellent and I’m confident we have a plan to 2021 that addresses day to day needs and focuses on encouraging growth (pg 14). The ballot date has now been set for March 17 2016 and there’s much to announce beforehand. Starting at our AGM on 24 November, at 8.30am at the Holiday Inn. But before we race into 2016, may I wish you all a Happy Christmas! There’s a lot going on for the festive season – not least the Snowflake Trail which is by far the biggest and best BID levy funded Christmas programme we’ve delivered (pg 10-11). We hope you like it (don’t forget to bring your families!). I must say the support from BID businesses – be it prizes to giving over shop windows has been fantastic. So thank you for your continued support. Have a very happy, healthy and prosperous New Year.
T: 0151 233 2890 E: info@liverpoolbidcompany.com W: liverpoolBIDcompany.com Twitter: @LpoolBIDcompany LinkedIn: Liverpool BID Company Rate card available on liverpoolbidcompany/resources
working together for a better city centre
Bill Addy
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10 YEARS OF THE BID COMPANY 200 5-2 0 1 5 1,500+
2 BIDs
BID MEMBERS
12.4M
70,000+ EMPLOYEES IN BID AREA
INVESTED IN BID AREAS
KEY HIGHLIGHTS NATIONAL BID PILOT 2003
METQUARTER OPENED 2005
1ST BALLOT CITY CENTRAL BID 2005
CRUISE TERMINAL OPENED 800TH 2007 ANNIVERSARY OF LIVERPOOL 2007
COMMERCIAL DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP LAUNCHED 2007 UK’S 1ST CITY CENTRE ZIP WIRE - 2014
1ST SNOWFLAKE TRAIL CHRISTMAS CAMPAIGN 2014
2ND CITY CENTRAL BID BALLOT (BOLD ST INCLUDED) 2008 IFB 2014
CITYBIKE LAUNCHED 2014
SUPERFAST BROADBAND SCHEME LAUNCHED 2014
CARDIACT LAUNCHED 2015
EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF CULTURE 2008 ACC OPENED 2008
1ST BALLOT COMMERCIAL DISTRICT BID 2011
1ST BRAZILICA PARADE 2010
PURPLE FLAG BEACON STATUS 2013
SIF RELEASED 2012
3RD BALLOT CITY CENTRAL BID - 2013
CAVERN QUARTER CEILING OF LIGHTS 2011
LIVERPOOL BLITZ 70TH ANNIVERSARY 2011 CRUISE BUS CO-FUNDED 2011
ST GEORGE’S QUARTER CIC CO-FUNDED 2012
EXHIBITION CENTRE OPENED 2015
£1.4M PUBLIC REALM IN COMMERCIAL DISTRICT 2015
2ND BALLOT COMMERCIAL DISTRICT BID 2016
4
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BUSINESS NEWS
Record year for city centre investment
Construction activity in Liverpool city centre is on course for a record breaking year, according to a major report. The Liverpool Development Update has revealed in its final report of the year that £650m of development activity will have been completed by the end of December – dwarfing the £333million achieved in 2014. And the total value of major schemes completed in the city centre since 2010 will stand at £1.76 billion. Commissioned by the Mayor of Liverpool’s office, the report said investment in 2015 would match that last achieved prerecession in 2007 when the city centre was being rebuilt in preparation to be European Capital of Culture. Key developments in 2015 have included the new Exhibition Centre on Kings Dock, the Shankly Hotel on Victoria Street and the
creation of more than 100,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at The Plaza and the Tempest. Meanwhile lettings in the office and retail sectors also in record breaking form. Quarterly office take up in Liverpool has exceeded 100,000 sq ft for the first time in two years with take-up in the third quarter of the year 48% above the city’s five-year average. Deals include the first pre-let in excess of 30,000 sq ft since 2010 at The Department, formerly Lewis’s, where NHS Liverpool CCG has taken space which also marks the largest office letting of 2015 in the city. The largest office deal of the year in the Commercial District has also just been completed with a 19,403 sq ft letting to Carpenters Limited at No1 Tithebarn. More than 40 new shops, restaurants and hotels
have opened in the two BID districts in 2015, from Sharps Bedrooms on Whitechapel and Made.com in Metquarter, to Tune and Cau on Castle Street and Mi Vida on Bold Street, with a rush of new openings due soon such as Five Guys in Queen Square and Turtle Bay on Mathew Street (see pg 8). Mayor Joe Anderson, who recently praised the BID Company’s investment in the Commercial District this year (see pg 14), said: “I firmly believe Liverpool’s best days are still ahead of it and these figures prove that. “I am particularly pleased to see developments creating premises which will allow businesses to start up and grow. “Giving existing businesses the tools to help them grow and increase employment opportunities is just as important as creating space for new investments. In Liverpool, we are committed to making both happen.”
Other notable developments in the final quarter include major city centre sites going on sale such as India Buildings, Metquarter and St Johns Shopping Centre. 2015 KEY FACTS: • £425m - Value of city centre schemes completed since Jan 2015 • 1,277 - Number of new FTE jobs created or safeguarded • £759m - Value of schemes on site of which £225m to complete by end of 2015. Office sector at Oct 2015: • £58.5.m - Value of refurbishments on site • 247,991sq ft - Office floorspace being built or refurbished1,000 Retail Sector at Oct 2015: • £16.5m - Value of retail refurbishments/ developments on site • 165,872 sq ft - floorspace being built or refurbished
City chief spells out need for city region investment strategy The chief executive of Liverpool city council has told the UK’s largest property conference that businesses and cities must work together if they are to compete for global investment. Speaking at the Northern Powerhouse seminar at Mipim UK, organised jointly by Liverpool and Manchester, Ged Fitzgerald said the north
has an “incredible opportunity” to combine its collective strengths to attract inward investors. Mr Fitzgerald said “The north is awash with excellent brands, very talented people and welldefined, characterful places; we have an incredible opportunity to harness those strengths for the collective good. The north is the solution, not the problem.“
He also argued for different public-private sector partnerships in each city region to make investment decisions together to redress the regional imbalance. He added “Manchester has led the way in terms of growth, so it’s essential Liverpool, along with other cities, keep pace, which requires an integrated economic investment strategy for the city region.
“We are well on our way to achieving that, but we must continue to think collectively and globally if we are to achieve our enormous potential.“ • Liverpool city council is holding a special public meeting at the Town Hall on Thursday, 19 November to debate the devolution deal for the city region before it goes to Government.
6
LET’S MEET
Liverpool’s Healthy High Streets champion Running one of the UK’s busiest Marks and Spencer’s stores is a non-stop, all action job. 400 staff, 100,000+ customers a week, 50,000 items of stock on any given day and numerous displays across 3 floors and dozens of windows to oversee. Not to mention all the deliveries and all the enquiries - be it customers, staff or management – while operating in the heart of Church Street. So, kudos to Neil Parnell who on top of all of this has volunteered to be Liverpool’s Healthy High Streets champion. The energetic father of four is leading a team of retail experts – alongside the BID Company and the city council – to identify how to stimulate footfall and jobs and reduce vacant units in the city centre. And just two months since the Healthy High Street status was given to Liverpool, the Wirral born 47 year old, whose been managing Marks and Spencer for the past two years, has made some real progress. Neil said: ‘’Vacant units is a main priority for the team so we’ve already set up meetings with landlords to look at how we can go about setting preferential rental terms.
grot spots and highways obstacles. Neil added: ‘’Restoring Pride is key to the Healthy High Street programme and the council’s cleansing and highways team have committed to address a whole raft of actions to improve the look and feel of the city centre. “So at the end of November for instance the broken bollards at the bottom of Bold Street will be fixed. ’’There’s much to do but there’s clearly the intent from all parties to make these small changes which will all lead to making a big difference.’’
‘’And we’re also looking to create a business start-up pack to attract entrepreneurs to attract more pop up shops.’’
Liverpool is one of 34 new High Streets selected for the programme across the UK, bringing the total number of participating High Streets to 67.
The Healthy High Streets Team, which features staff from Boots, Santander, Greggs and EE, have also completed several walkabouts in across the City Central district, identifying
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, which applied to the programme, said: ‘’Although Liverpool city centre bucks most national trends in retail and tourism, the BID
Healthy High Streets core areas: Drive footfall
employment
reduce vacancies
restore pride
Liverpool’s Healthy High Streets team:
Gill Taylor
Margaret Neville
Paul King Stuart Davies
Simon Jermyn
Neil Parnell James Craft
Company is always looking at ways to improve its appeal to businesses, shoppers and visitors alike. “Having expert advice from our business community provides a welcome fresh look at the challenges and opportunities that our city centre faces.
“Neil and his team have hit the ground running and it’s great to see colleagues in the city council working with us to improve the area .’’ To find out more about Healthy High Streets visit www.bitc.org.uk/ healthyhighstreets
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RETAIL NEWS
Metquarter ending 2015 on a high note into the New Year, will offer a wide variety of gifts, including a delicious selection of fine food and luxury wine, specialist spirits and cocktail components, plus a comprehensive collection of iconic Harvey Nichols hampers.
It’s fair to say that Christmas will be celebrated with great cheer in Metquarter. The final quarter of 2015 has seen a resurgence for the shopping centre with several high profile announcements of new tenants.
Iain Mackenzie, Store Director of Harvey Nichols, said: “The Harvey Nichols Christmas Pop-up has always been warmly welcomed in Liverpool and we’re thrilled to be returning to such a vibrant city for the festive season.’’
Since August it’s hosted a series of launch parties at a rate of one a month. The centre, based on Whitechapel, has welcomed the arrival of ‘creativity shop’ REX, designer furniture and home accessories retailer MADE.COM, as well as a pop up restaurant by Viva Brazil and Harvey Nichols Christmas pop-up store. Each new arrival is bringing something unique to the centre, which already boasts major brands such as MAC, Jo Malone, Carluccio’s and Patisserie Valerie. With a range of fashion, homeware, whole foods and gifts, REX, which relocated from Rapid, has hand-picked
Jennina O’Neill, centre manager of Metquarter, added: “We’re delighted to have attracted a great blend of tenants in recent months. more than 80 brands for its new Metquarter store. Visitors to the 4,000 sq ft North West showroom of MADE.COM will be able to purchase goods from the online retailer via tablet devices in the showroom – a first for Liverpool.
Volunteer success at BHS
Following a fire which closed Viva Brazil on Castle Street, the award winning restaurant established the 110-cover pop-up in the former Cafe Rouge unit, after the BID Company introduced the business to Metquarter. The Harvey Nicks pop-up store, which will trade
“Each one offers something totally different for the shopper and further enhances Metquarter’s unrivalled mix of global brands and dynamic local labels. “And with Harvey Nicks there’ll certainly be an extra sparkle this Christmas.”
BID boosts Spark Up plans Liverpool’s first residential circus has taken a step closer to reality, thanks to support from the BID Company. Kate and Mike Baugh, founders of Cigam Productions, who specialise in live cabaret and circus entertainment were given a day on Lord Street to market research their business plan.
Volition, the volunteer programme for Liverpool Cathedral, has secured its best recruitment drive after teaming up with the Liverpool BID Company and BHS on Lord Street. BHS launched its new 2,600 square foot Food Store concept in October, creating 30 new jobs – seven of which came through the Volition programme - the most new employees recruited at once, by one employer, in its history. The new recruits included someone who’d never been employed before,
one who couldn’t get an interview 6 months ago and another who’d not been in employment for 6 years while raising a family. Andrea Watkins, General Manager of BHS Liverpool said: “We were thrilled to partner with Volition for the Food Store recruitment drive. Supporting the local community is very important to us and the new members of staff have been a joy to work with.” Volition won the prestigious prize for Innovation at the national ERSA employability awards in July.
The husband and wife team, who donned their most outrageous performer’s outfits, were joined by other entrepreneurs on Liverpool’s business accelerator programme, Spark Up, to showcase business ideas to potential customers, offering product samples and inviting responses to questionnaires. Kate said: “Our dream is to emulate the likes of ‘The Big Apple Circus’ in New York, so it was wonderful to hear that almost all of the people we spoke to would love to see this in Liverpool as well. It’s certainly strengthened our business plan and ensures we have the best understanding possible of our target audience.” Bill Addy, Chief Executive at The Liverpool BID Company, said: “New businesses have a
vital role to play in the future of our economy, which is why programmes such as Spark Up are so important. We look forward to working with the team at Spark Up more closely in future months.” To date Spark Up has created more than £400,000 worth of investment opportunities for start-ups in the city region and generated a total of 45 jobs for local people. Applications for the fourth Spark Up programme, which will start in January 2016 are now open via the Spark Up website: www.sparkup.org
8
DOWN YOUR STREET
Mathew Street marching to new beat It famously launched the career of the Fab Four. And from this November a new foursome will be taking Mathew Street into a brand new era. Thanks to a multi-million pound investment boost, the iconic street is welcoming the opening of three new restaurants and a comedy club. The Wall of Fame bar and kitchen, which serves cocktails, breakfasts and ‘finger licking treats’ is already winning diners approval on social media. And like its neighbour Turtle Bay, which specialises in Caribbean food, the restaurant has entrances on both Mathew and Victoria Street. BBQ specialists Grillstock which is opening up alongside Turtle Bay in the Grade II listed Produce Exchange will be last to open. Once opened, the BID Company will oversee the reinstallation of Liverpool’s Pop Wall of Fame records
tribute after they were removed to make way for the development. There’s also some funny business going on on Mathew Street as Laughterhouse Comedy prepares to open the doors to its brand new comedy club at the end of the month. Laughterhouse, which hosts the popular comedy clubs at The Slaughter House and Philharmonic Hall, and has beautifully converted the original famous music club Eric’s into a purpose built 200-seater comedy venue. Guests can also book meal deals as Laughterhouse Mathew Street has partnered with Olive and Piccolino to offer a fabulous dining experience. Plus, following each show, guests are welcome to stay for the disco and live vocalists.
Laughterhouse Mathew Street will be opening on Friday, 27 November at 8pm with comedy heavyweights MC Chris Cairns, Neil Fitzmaurice, Jo Caulfield and Matt Richardson. Paula Harrington, the owner of Laughterhouse Comedy, said: “We are delighted to be opening a purpose built
comedy venue on the world famous Mathew Street. We believe this space could become one of the finest comedy rooms in the UK.” To book tickets telephone the booking line on 0800 177 7575 or book online at laughterhousecomedy.com
A L L T H I S C H R I ST M A S B A E V A H And don’t worry when the clock strikes midnight, your carriage still awaits.
Night buses will be running on the four Saturday nights before Christmas on selected routes and late trains will be running to Hooton and Southport on the two Friday nights and the two Saturday nights before Christmas. Visit merseytravel.gov.uk/xmaslateservices for full details.
In partnership with:
9
CITY NEWS
Film Studio plans for Liverpool
Liverpool is setting the stage to be the most filmed city in the UK. While cast and crew from the new Harry Potter spinoff film turned St George’s Hall into a film set, a new film and TV studio based at the Littlewoods Building has been given the green light.
the city missed out on a potential £20 million filming revenue due to capacity issues. Work on the £25million project will begin January 2016. The new campus will create up to an estimated 900 full time jobs when at capacity.
The 4.5 hectare hub will consist of film and television studios, and a new home for Liverpool Theatre School and new space for the city’s booming creative community.
Capital and Centric, which recently converted The Tempest building on Tithebarn Street, will oversee the development with a 250 year lease.
The studios will mean that Liverpool can meet the demand for film and production facilities, after a report by the Film Office revealed that in 2014-2015,
Filming in Liverpool in 2015 is so far up 20 percent in the first seven months compared to 2014, with more than 130 productions being filmed in the region.
Medicash set for Santa Dash
A team of 20 from Medicash are pulling on their trainers to take part in the world’s biggest festive fun run this Christmas. Medicash are the headline sponsor for the 12th annual Liverpool Santa Dash and it’s an event the team are excited and proud to be supporting. The Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool 2015 takes place on Sunday, 6 December – and organisers BTR Liverpool are hoping to attract 10,000 Santas.
Liverpool earned the World Santa Challenge title last year when 8,846 Santas took part – making it the world’s biggest festive fun run. Las Vegas had held the title since 2011. To enter The Medicash Santa Dash Liverpool register online at www.btrliverpool. com or call into the BTR Liverpool office at 23 Hatton Garden, Liverpool, L3 2FE. The office is now open seven days a week for Santa suit collection.
Shell ship saved for city
A curious seashell ship that sat for three decades in the window of a Liverpool antiques shop has been saved following a campaign. The 2-metre sculpture, called Avril, is being exhibited at FACT after it was bought at auction in conjunction with the Liverpool BID Company. Made in 1979 by local artist, James Heppell, it was previously in the window of a shop in Bold Street in the city centre. Campaigners contacted FACT and BID to save the sculpture. Mike Stubbs, director at FACT said: “It made sense to save the ship due to the importance
of investing in the ´heritage and local memory of Bold St.´ “The ship itself is an artefact with a large significance for Liverpool’s cultural identity.” Mr Stubbs, who said the sculpture reminds people of strong post-war hobbyism, urged people to take the opportunity to take a closer look at it. Studded with red costume jewellery-type stones, a gold lion and thousands of shells, the ship has a faded paper blue Union flag at its helm. In the living quarters, it contains a tiny glass swan sculpture and two floral sofas, with a Mickey Mouse figurine at the helm.
Passengers well connected
Free wi-fi is now available at five underground stations on the Merseyrail network. The stations are Liverpool Central, Moorfields, James Street, Hamilton Square and Conway Park. It will be introduced at Lime Street lower level and Old Hall Street stations by the end of the year. The move is one of the initiatives in a five year growth plan, devised by Merseyrail and Merseytravel.
Meanwhile, there will be late night bus and rail services running on weekends leading up to Christmas. On Saturday 28 Nov and 5, 12 and 19 Dec, bus services will run between midnight and 4.30am from Liverpool city centre to Page Moss, Croxteth, Waterloo, Chester, Garston and Allerton. On Friday 11 and 18 Dec and Sat 12 and 19 Dec, Merseyrail will run trains to Hooton and Southport from Central Station at 1.30am.
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JaCk Is BaCk!
OUTDOOR SPECIAL CHRISTMAS GUIDE
Britain’s biggest man-made snowflake is set to land in the heart of Liverpool as part of a magical Christmas extravaganza. The 7m tall illuminated feature will be unveiled on 19 November to launch a city centre wide Snowflake Trail, which has been devised by Liverpool BID Company and art organisation Open Culture. The mammoth snowflake, created by Liverpool Christmas Decorators, will be in Williamson Square with 12 other multi-coloured snowflake sculptures, designed by local artists, placed in key locations. A total of 100,000 trail maps will be distributed inviting families to discover the snowflakes and solve the trail’s puzzle, with a chance to win series of amazing prizes. A limited edition version of the map will feature a new story specially commissioned for the 6 week event, called The First Snowflake, about a 10-year-old boy who goes on a magical adventure with Jack Frost. The Snowflake Trail, which runs until 3 January, is a free event and a key highlight of Liverpool’s One Magical City campaign. It also features specially devised light and sound installations, while smart phone users can use an augmented reality app to bring the map and selected window displays to life. • BID businesses wishing to display Snowflake Trail window vinyls or to distribute trail maps should call the BID Company office on 0151 233 4733 or email info@liverpoolbidcompany.com
Produced by
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OUTDOOR CHRISTMAS SPECIAL GUIDE
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IN FOCUS
one
four
seven
One year after its launch ThIS Liverpool App is on the verge of its 10,000th download. More than 250 BID business are now uploading events and offers.
Opened in September, ACC Liverpoool said its new centre meant economic impact of its Kings Dock venues had passed £1bn since 2008.
£650m invested in city centre developments in 2015. Almost double the sum invested in 2014!
ThIS Liverpool App
Exhibition Centre
Investment
eight
two
Defibrillators
Launched in September, the MediCash/BID backed CardiAct scheme means no one will be more than two minutes from a defibrillator in the city centre.
Public Realm
A £1.4m programme to upgrade key areas of the Commercial District is uderway, inc. Eberle St, Bixteth St, Edmund St, Old Hall St, Leather Lane and North John St. Ends spring 2016.
five
Royal Court
Phase II of the theatre’s £11.9m renovation is almost complete. A record breaking run of Let It Be have made it a year to remember.
nine
Newcomers
More than 40 businesses have opened in the two BID districts this year while sales in retail and lesiure sector were quadruple the UK average (see pg 17).
three
BID Police Team
Since October two police officers now patrol the BID districts seven days a week.
six
Weeping Window
This blockbuster Poppy memorial will adorn St George’s Hall until 17 January. Don’t miss it!
ten
3 Queens in May 1 river. 3 ships. 4 days. 1.2m people.
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THINGS
IN FOCUS
TO LOOK OUT FOR
IN
2016
one
five
eight
A record 200 BID businesses will be secretly shopped in the new year. Class of 2014 achieved a record 90.4% average approval rating.
From 13 June - 1 July, Liverpool will be the UK’s capital of business. A new fringe programme will give city centre businesses numerous opportunites to take advantage.
More than 800 businesses in the Commercial District will be balloted to vote on a new 5-year BID business plan. The ballot deadline is 17 March. A ‘YES’ vote will secure a £3.5m investment programme (see pg 14).
Mystery Shop Awards
IFB 2016
BID Ballot
two
Cruise Season
No Three Queens in 2016. Just a record breaking 64 ships and 85,000 passengers! The BID levy funded cruise bus will be back too.
three Bold Street
2016 will be the ‘year of the pilot’ for Bold Street - with new waste service and public seating scheme to be introduced (see pg 17).
four
Central Village
The £140m scheme has had setbacks but expect a raft of announcements as work gathers pace in 2016.
six
Public Realm
It’s going to be a busy year for diggers, with the completion of the £1.4m upgrade to the Commercial District and £3m renovation of Parker Street and Houghton Street starting in January.
nine
Music at Cunard
Britain’s only museum of popular music is to open in the iconic waterfront building in Easter.
seven Biennial
First launched in 1999, the UK’s festival of visual contemporay art takes over Liverpool city centre once again from 9 July to 16 October. Expect the unexpected!
ten
Take a leap
2016 is a leap year. That’s an extra 50,000 people coming into the city centre for a day to spend, spend, spend! :)
14
RENEWAL BALLOT SPECIAL
The countdown to a renewal ballot of Liverpool’s Commercial District BID has begun. Following an endorsement from Liverpool city council’s cabinet, the BID Company has formally notified the Secretary of State to seek a month-long postal ballot, which will end on Thursday, 17 March.
recently launched a life-saving campaign to ensure Liverpool city centre has enough public defibrillators to ensure that in the city centre everyone will be within two minutes of a defibrillator.
The election could signal a new five year BID term from next June which would see £3.5m invested into the district.
Jim Gill, Chairman of the Commercial District BID, said: “Much of what was set out to do in 2011 is now coming to fruition but we have still much more to do.
How that money is invested will be spelt out in a new 5 year business plan, which will be issued to more than 800 businesses in the new year.
“By listening to our businesses we are creating a plan that will reflect their needs and thanks to the excellent relationships we have with our key partners we can make the Commercial District a world class business destination.”
The BID Company has been undertaking a widespread consultation with businesses and employees, via public meetings, roadshows and online surveys to help write the business plan to accurately reflect their needs. As part of the consultation process the BID recently hosted a business breakfast with Mayor Joe Anderson to debate key city centre issues, and will be doing so again on 29 January 2016*. More than £3.5million will be raised via a BID levy over the 5 year period which would be reinvested into the district through a series of environmental and safety projects and a high quality events programme. The new 2016-2021 business plan will also have an emphasis on supporting business growth, improving connectivity and addressing issues such as vacant units and wi-fi-coverage in the city centre. The Commercial District BID is currently overseeing a £1.4m scheme to improve the public realm in key areas of the district and has
Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “We have worked hard to ensure the aims and goals for the next five years of the Commercial District BID are shared by as many businesses and partners as possible, that way we can ensure these schemes can be deliverable. “We will have much to announce in the run up to the renewal ballot. “This will build on the work that we are currently undertaking and establishing new schemes that will provide a huge boost to the city centre and our business community.” An update on the 2016-2021 business plan will be given at the BID Company AGM on Tuesday, 24 November. *To see the video of the Mayoral BID Business debate go to www.liverpoolbidcompany.com/renewalballot
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16
SPOTLIGHT ON
Uniform - Bold Street
Bold Street has few equals for its vibrant independent retail and leisure offer. But did you know one of the best design agencies in the country calls it home too? Stroll along Bold Street and in an office tucked above the hustle and bustle, the future of the Lake District is being shaped.
One recent success has been to develop a brand campaign for the Lake District’s high profile bid to become a UNESCO World Heritage site.
So is the next phase of Canary Wharf. And Wirral Waters.
The bid will be submitted in January 2016, and to be successful local support was identified as crucial. Uniform’s response was to create a digital platform focused on usergenerated social content.
For the 50 or so staff at Uniform, working with national brands and high profile projects is an everyday affair – be it Mitre, National History Museum, The FA or Stoves. Established in 1998, the company moved from Fleet Street two years ago as part of a strategy to double the size of the business in three years. Such has been their success they’re now looking at expanding next door. I N STAGRA M
T W ITTE R
FACE B O O K
Nick Howe, Managing Director Uniform, said: “Working here has been incredible. We had opportunities to move to other parts of the city but we love being in Ropewalks. “It’s got a strong sense of identity - an independent and creative feel that we are part of. It’s in the heart of the city, and well located for clients visiting and staff commuting.” Right location is one thing. Knowing your destination is another. Nick added; “From the day we set up our vision has been simple – to produce world class work and build a great business. We were ambitious - we wanted to be the best, to go beyond the possible and develop ideas that inspire.” The results are clear to see. Uniform is one of the UK’s Top 10 fastest growing creative agencies in the UK for two years running – and one of the top 60 in the UK. In a sector with some 10,800 other businesses.
Jayne Pugh, Head of Comms at the Lake District National Park Authority, said: “This is one of most important campaigns we’ve commissioned for the Lake District. “Uniform’s creation of an online hub, where the communities share their stories, is completely in line with the objectives. It’s beautiful and effective.” Positive feedback comes in all forms. One of the team’s CG images of a design project for Canary Wharf recently adorned a full page of The Sunday Times. Nick said: “We have a strong track record in the world of place branding, engaging communities, securing buy in and bringing partners and teams together to build reputations. “And one thing we’d love to do is to apply our place thinking to Bold Street in some way.” It’s an offer the BID Company, which is looking at plans to roll out public seating on Bold Street in Spring 2016, is now exploring. You may not notice Uniform’s presence when strolling along this unique street. But that may not be for long….
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BID UPDATE
City bucking UK sales trend
Waste pilot scheme on way
Liverpool’s retail and leisure core is bucking the national trend in terms of sales and footfall, according to data collated by the Liverpool BID Company.
A new cleansing regime for the city centre is set to be launched in the new year.
Footfall, measured over a 12 month period to the end of October, had risen by 0.4% compared to the previous year, while in comparison footfall in the main cities across the UK had fallen by -1.5%. The data is collected from five cameras in the City Central district, paid for by the BID levy, and from national company Springboard who measure footfall nation wide. Sales data collected from 150 City Central businesses have shown the city centre is outperforming the rest of the country – with +1.2% annual growth in 2015, to the end of October. Nationally, sales have stagnated across retail and leisure at just 0.3%.
Liverpool’s hospitality and hotel sector has seen huge growth in 2015 recording monthly double digit sales throughout the year. Ian Ward, Chairman of City Central BID and centre director of St Johns Shopping Centre, said: “Liverpool continues to buck the trend mainly because the city centre has such a strong overall offer for day and weekend visitors. “We can also cater for those seeking a budget or boutique experience right across the shopping, dining and hotel sectors and this year the depth and variety of the offer and competition has boomed which means the sales figures are that more impressive. “Not only that, but we are lucky to have amazing cultural attractions so close to the retail and leisure core and it’s year round events programme is of the highest quality, as we’ll see this Christmas from the Poppy Trail to the Snowflake Trail.”
The Liverpool BID Company is to appoint a preferred waste management company in a pilot project to streamline collection and disposal services on Bold Street. The appointment, to be announced in January, follows a six month consultation with the aim of eventually reducing the number of waste contractors operating on the street from nine to one. Benefits of this new approach include reduction in traffic as well as mitigating problems such as fly-tipping and breakages to alley gates. The appointed company will be offering preferential rates to businesses while the BID Company will enhance the overall environment by investing in lighting and concreting the middle section of back Bold Street.
Once launched, the BID Company will seek to roll out this new waste management process across the business improvement district. Bill Addy, Chief Executive of Liverpool BID Company, said: “Our aim has been to appoint a company that can provide a comprehensive service that also saves businesses money and I’m delighted to say this will be delivered. “It’s part of a holistic approach to improve the overall environment of Bold Street and to provide the template for the rest of the BID area over the next three years.” The BID Company is also looking to introduce public seating in Bold Street from next Spring (see page 16). It is also holding talks with Liverpool city council on how the BID levy can be used to enhance the overall city centre cleansing regime, now the authority has taken over the operation from previous contractors Amey.
Dine out on Restaurant Week Liverpool city centre’s first Restaurant Week is to be staged in the new year. The Liverpool BID Company is to promote the themed event from 25 - 31 January. Restaurants, cafes and diners based in City Central or Commercial Business Districts are being invited to get involved by offering a set discount for a meal. The BID Company will be using its own online platforms, which reach more than 75,000 people a week, as well as the This Liverpool
App and local media to publicise the offers. The themed week aims to address the slowdown in dining out after Christmas and follows the success of the BID promoted Student Take Over Week in which more than 50 businesses provided bespoke offers. Tracey Crosbie, Events Manager at Liverpool BID Company, said: ‘’Liverpool Restaurant Week is a great opportunity to showcase the quality and variety of the city centre’s food sector in what is traditionally a quiet month.
“It’s a win-win for both the eatery and the diner and we’ll be looking to build on the success by hosting future Restaurant Weeks.”
• For more information in how to get involved in Liverpool Restaurant Week, please contact the BID team on 0151 233 2890.
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BULLETIN BOARD
BID BULLETIN BOARD LIVERPOOL BID COMPANY AGM
24
NOVEMBER
HOLIDAY INN, LIME ST, 8.30AM RSVP ON LIVERPOOLBIDCOMPANY.COM/AGM
kEy cOnTaCtS fOr cHrIsTmAs LiVeRpOoL BiD CoMpAnY GeNeRaL EnQuIrIeS: 0151 233 2890 PrOmOtE In LiVeRpOoL – 0151 233 4729 BiD LeVy & BuSiNeSs RaTeS: 0151 233 3812 BiD PoLiCe TeAm: 0151 233 2879 9aM-6pM (nOn-eMeRgEnCiEs) St JoHnS CoP ShOp: 0151 708 9497 (nOn-eMeRgEnCiEs) 99 BeGgInG, AnTi-sOcIaL BeHaViOuR: 101/9 S: FlYtIpPiNg aNd eNvIrOnMeNtAl iSsUe 0151 233 3001 RoUgH SlEePeRs: 0300 123 2041 FoR BuSkInG pLeAsE sEe tHe ‘GuIdE To BuSkInG’ vIa wWw.lIvErPoOlBiDcOmPaNy.cOm
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MY
NEW LIVER BIRD AT CENTRAL STATION
DiReCt DeBiT cHaRiTaBlE cOlLeCtOrS cOmPlAiNtS: 0207 401 8452 StReEt TrAdEr IsSuEs – 0151 233 3015
rMaTiOn vIsIt fOr eVeNt lIsTiNg aNd fUrThEr iNfO IsTmAs cHr Om/ Ol.c ErPo wWw.tHiSlIv
CY
CMY
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YOU ARE INVITED TO MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
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BID FOOSBALL TOURNAMENT 25 NOV 2015 17:30-21:00 WEIGHTMANS, OLD HALL ST
REGISTER YOUR TEAM ON LIVERPOOLBIDCOMPANY.COM
NEW LOOK FOR THE LFC STORE IN WILLIAMSON SQUARE
Hey Liverpool...
WE’RE BACK!
COME AND SEE OUR NEW LUXE STORE OPENING 5TH NOVEMBER ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR WITHIN NEXT, CHURCH STREET, LIVERPOOL
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