Media Release

17 June 2008

Mangere town centre becomes a business improvement district

Mangere town centre is set to become Manukau’s newest business improvement district (BID).

Ninety per cent of business and property owners voted to set up the BID.

By becoming a BID, Mangere town centre will receive additional council funding, generated through targeted rates, and support for programmes and activities to promote economic development in this area. It allows the funding to be spent directly in the area it is collected from.

Initiatives include security and maintenance, graffiti control, beautification projects, events and tourism initiatives, marketing and promotional activity, business recruiting, signage, retail improvements and employment of a coordinator.

Manukau City Council Thriving Economy Portfolio Leader Arthur Anae says that developing BID areas is a key part of town centre revitalisation in Manukau.

“Business improvement districts contribute greatly to the vitality and economic development of the city. The council’s BID policy allows us to work with local businesses to transform parts of the city into successful and vibrant places,” Cr Anae says.

“It’s been good to see the ongoing success of business improvement districts around Manukau, for example Dawsons Road which I’ve been involved with.”

In 2004 there were just two BID’s in Manukau City - there are now 12.  This rapid growth is a result of the success each BID has achieved, and the willingness of businesses to form partnerships with council to get results.  Business improvement district in the city range in size from 30 to more than 1500 businesses. Voting is required to find out the level of support from businesses in the area.

ENDS

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