MAJOR BOOST FOR GOSFORTH HIGH STREET

The Business Improvement District

Gosforth councillors are working alongside representatives of businesses and Trinity Church to investigate the possibility of a Business Improvement District (BID) similar to one which has been introduced in the City Centre.

In a BID, 1% of the rates for business units in the area can be ring-fenced for improvements which meet the objectives of the BID. These could include measures to invest in better parking and environmental projects. The BID would be accountable to a board and could even employ its own staff. Businesses in the area would have to vote on the proposals before anything could go ahead. Promotional material has been put together with the aim of progressing a vote amongst the business community as soon as possible.

The Shopping Centre

Two units have been filled in the Shopping Centre. A fantastic new cafe bistro, 'Rosie's', is now installed at the back of the Centre. This will open out into Central Park so customers can sit outside in fair weather. Also filled is the unit formerly occupied by 'Out Of This World', now known as 'Captain Ted's', with soft play facilities for children. The Shopping Centre agent, Gavin Black, is looking to attract another business into the unit formerly occupied by 'Milligan's'.