York BID Secures Renewal for a Third Term

The York Business Improvement District (York BID) has been successfully voted in for a third consecutive term, following a month-long ballot of BID levy-paying businesses. 91.4% of voters backed the BID’s renewal, demonstrating strong support from the business community for York BID’s continued role in improving and enhancing the city centre.

This latest mandate means York BID will continue until at least 31st March 2031, delivering an ambitious new Business Plan focused on keeping York clean, safe, vibrant, and prosperous.

Since its launch in 2016, York BID has been at the forefront of enhancing the city centre experience, creating a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant environment for all who live, work, and spend time in York.

Through much-loved and high-quality projects such as York’s Winter Lights, York Restaurant Week, Ghosts in the Gardens, York Art Trail and the spectacular Colour & Light event (set to return in 2026), the York BID has helped to shape York’s distinctive character and year-round appeal.

Dedicated Street Rangers and the Rapid Response cleaning team have become a familiar and trusted presence – improving safety, supporting businesses, and taking pride in the appearance of the city every day.

Beyond these highlights, York BID works closely with local businesses, providing subsidised training, safety partnerships, and targeted investments in public spaces – building a more vibrant, better-connected city centre that continues to thrive.

Andrew Lowson, Executive Director of York BID, said: “We’re delighted with this result and grateful to every business that voted. It’s a clear endorsement of the work we’ve done and a commitment to the future of the city centre. Over the next five years, we’ll continue to invest in projects that make York a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant place to live, work, and visit – while continuing to be a strong voice for our business community and ensuring they have the support they need to help them succeed.”

Based on ‘Rateable value’ of businesses, 94.4% said they were in favour of the BID continuing for 5 more years.

Michael Hjort, Chair of York BID, added: “This third term is a real vote of confidence from the business community. York BID has shown the difference that partnership and collaboration can make – from improving the look and feel of the city centre to creating initiatives that bring people together and add value for local businesses. We’re excited to keep building on that success and to deliver even more for our levy payers in the years ahead.”

York BID’s 2026–2031 Business Plan sets out new commitments to enhancing public spaces, business engagement, and continued investment in the quality and experience of York’s city centre environment and experience – ensuring the city remains a welcoming and successful place for people and businesses.