Northwich town centre is in line for a £1.25m windfall after local traders voted in favour of establishing a Business Improvement District (BID).
The ballot results mean that Northwich will become the first town in West Cheshire with BID status, and the first retail BID in Cheshire.
The move will unlock £1.25m of private sector funding over the next five years to be spent on projects chosen by traders to improve the town.
The BID budget will be funded directly by local businesses who will pay a levy based on a percentage of their business rates.
The ‘yes’ vote follows months of preparation by the Northwich BID Steering Group which is formed of representatives of the town’s independent and national businesses.
Charlie Seward, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Director of Growth and Prosperity, said: “It is fantastic that Northwich businesses have come together and showed their commitment to further improving the town centre.
“With so much regeneration now happening in Northwich, the BID will be a further boost for the town, generating more investment in making it an even better and brighter place for business, residents and visitors.”
The project will be managed by Groundwork Cheshire which will be working alongside local traders to deliver services that bring a real benefit to the business community.