High Streets, Town Centres and Business Improvement Districts (BIDS)

London’s high streets and town centres are undergoing transformation.

Even before the pandemic, changing shopping patterns and the growth of online retail meant retail was evolving. It is increasingly experience-led and many retailers are restructuring to build greater flexibility into their offer as they respond to a new dynamic.

But retail is only one aspect of our high streets and town centres. The remaining space is taken up with offices, public services, bars, restaurants, cultural venues, maker space, housing and many other uses.

The high streets and town centres that succeed will likely be more compact, with a broader mix of these activities. Ensuring they remain vibrant, and diverse, will be vital to maintaining London’s reputation as a great place to live as was move into recovery.

We work to support this transformation by:

influencing planning policy, including the National Planning Policy Framework, the London Plan and local policies where relevant;

convening the quarterly Central London BIDs Forum to discuss and influence issues which are critical to the wellbeing of London, in the common interest of business and communities;

working with our members, BIDs and other trade bodies to lobby Government to address the disproportionate impact of business rates revaluation on London retailers’ competitiveness;

safeguarding access to talent — London’s retail and hospitality sectors rely on talented people from all over the world to work throughout the supply chain both in London and beyond (see our Facing Facts report for more details);
working with the Night Time Commission and Night Czar to ensure London makes the most of the 24-hour economy, keeping it globally competitive.

The Central London BIDs Forum

The Central London BIDs Forum was established by London First to bring together London’s Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) enabling them to share insight and expertise regarding the work they are doing in their local areas.

The Forum, which meets on a quarterly basis, consists of a number of London BIDs. It covers a number of key issues affecting London including policing and crime, public realm improvements and keeping our high streets vibrant.

The work that the BIDs do both on the ground and at a strategic level, is critical in ensuring that London remains a key destination for both international and domestic visitors which will not only help it on its road to recovery but will continue to promote it as the best city in the world to do business.

For further information contact Stephanie Pollitt.