Million Pound Investment in West Ealing

Area to benefit from new business scheme

There's delight in West Ealing after traders gave a resounding yes to become part of a local Business Improvement District (BID).

Of the 50% of traders that voted 87% agreed to set-up the business scheme.

It means traders should have greater influence on the area and can help make West Ealing safer, better marketed and a 'more vibrant destination for visitors and customers'.

The Chair elect of West Ealing BID, Sarah Evans of Waitrose said:

“By voting YES to a BID in West Ealing we as business stakeholders make an exciting pledge to our local area's future. We affirm West Ealing's tremendous potential to flourish, and more importantly we confirm our collective commitment to investing and taking action to ensure that we realise this potential.”

The BID will start from 1 April 2014 and will run for five years.  It will be financed through a BID levy on the rateable value of the town’s 331 businesses.  The BID will spend the money it raises on projects set out in its business plan, including improving the safety and environment of the town, marketing and promotion and support for business.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council, said:

''This is excellent news for the future prosperity of West Ealing.  By setting up this BID, businesses have agreed to work together to help the town to thrive including investing £1million over the next five years on a range of projects to improve and promote West Ealing.

“The council has ambitious regeneration plans for our borough that seek to strengthen the local economy and create jobs for residents.  With the West Ealing BID the council and businesses can work closer together in partnership to achieve this. ”

The BID campaign was successfully managed by the Ealing Broadway BID, which will work in close partnership with the newly formed West Ealing BID.

Chief Executive of Ealing Broadway BID, Ann Hunter, said:

''This is a fantastic result for West Ealing. I am incredibly pleased to see such a large majority in support of the BID’s plans confident that the BID will deliver for them and the high level of turnout, which demonstrates the level of commitment from businesses.

''The task group and campaign team have worked incredibly hard to ensure a successful result for West Ealing. West Ealing will now benefit from over £1,000,000 of investment over the next five years. By working together, we will be able to establish an active and vibrant town centre which is both complimentary and distinct from its Ealing Broadway neighbour.''

19th March 2014