Vision of Streatham as Business Improvement District (From Streatham Guardian)

Vision of Streatham as Business Improvement District

10:08am Monday 22nd October 2012 in News By Alice Foster, Reporter

A blueprint has been unveiled to smarten-up Streatham High Road if shopkeepers back the proposed Business Improvement District.

Nearly 30 per cent of the expected £330,000 annual budget would be used make the area smarter with decorated shutters, more trees, cheaper recycling and a campaign against fly tipping.

A quarter of the money would be spent encouraging people to shop in Streatham by creating a local loyalty card, attracting better quality shops and promoting events.

The rest will be divided between cafes, restaurants and nightspots and tackling issues such as public toilets, traffic, crime and parking.

Lee Alley, chairman of Streatham Business Board, said: "We can’t see it now but in two years’ time we will look back and see it is one of the most exciting times to be living in Streatham in 50 years."

Streatham High Road has fallen on hard times and was voted Britain’s worst high street a decade ago, but Mr Alley pointed to new developments as signs of optimism.

He said: "It’s going to transform the area and the Bid is going to draw that together."

Town Centre manager Angelina Purcell said she had already had positive responses from managers at larger stores such as Lidl and Sainsbury’s.

Ms Purcell said: "We are going out to meet all businesses within the business improvement area.

"We are going to be hearing what their views are, what they think is great about Streatham and what needs to be improved."

The Bid would be led by Streatham businesses and funded by a levy on businesses. The ballot closes on February 21.

If businesses vote for the plan, it will be paid for by an annual levy of 1.5 per cent on business rates along the high street, which would generate £233,000.

A further £95,000 is expected to come in from grants and commercial sponsorship.