Bishop’s Stortford BID ‘unwavering in commitment to fostering dynamic, inclusive and resilient town centre’
Bishop’s Stortford BID (Business Improvement District) joint-manager Karen Burton writes for the Indie
As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s an ideal moment to reflect on the pivotal role the Bishop’s Stortford BID has played in shaping the town centre into a thriving hub of activity and connection. From championing the interests of our diverse business sectors to creating moments of joy for residents and visitors alike, this has been a year of progress and possibilities.
The Bishop’s Stortford BID, funded by local businesses through a levy, stands as a unifying force, working tirelessly to ensure the town centre remains a vibrant place to trade, visit and explore.
While many recognise us through the lens of Discover Stortford, our events and initiatives extend far beyond marketing. We advocate for our businesses at every turn - engaging decision-makers on critical issues like parking, road works and shifting consumer habits to amplify the voice of the business community.
Our event calendar this year brought new life to the town, demonstrating the power of collective effort. The much-loved Showtime on North Street reimagined the space as a car-free, family-friendly hub, sparking conversations about the potential for pedestrian priority areas. Similarly, Festive Fun Day in November transformed the town into a joyful celebration of the season, boosting footfall and showcasing the economic vitality that events can bring.
These occasions weren’t just about entertainment - they were living experiments. They allowed businesses and the community to experience innovative ideas, providing invaluable insights and feedback that are now shaping discussions around reducing traffic through the town centre and the uses for public spaces.
In 2024, Bishop’s Stortford has embraced the evolving landscape of the high street. National trends may lean toward dining and leisure, but here those changes have been a strength. Our town boasts a flourishing mix of independent retailers, cafes and restaurants, supported by initiatives like the Discover Stortford Gift Card, which encourages local spending.
And while challenges like vacant buildings persist, the BID remains optimistic - who wouldn’t love to see the old Barclays building transformed into a boutique hotel or the closed cinema turned into a multi-use indoor activity centre?
Advocacy has remained at the heart of our work. Whether navigating the complexities of parking or finding creative uses for underutilised spaces, the BID has been a consistent force for innovation. By engaging businesses, residents and stakeholders at every opportunity, including here in this regular Indie article, we’ve harnessed a wealth of ideas to guide our efforts.
This year also marked a significant shift toward place making, an approach that emphasises creating clean, welcoming and thoughtfully connected spaces. A deep clean and chewing gum removal of the pavements being one example and three planned lighting schemes on North Street, Devoils Lane and South Street another.
The BID’s unique position - representing a wide range of businesses - gives us a perspective like no other. By testing new ideas and collaborating with stakeholders, we’ve laid the foundation for a cohesive town centre that blends retail, leisure and culture seamlessly.
As we look ahead to 2025, the Bishop’s Stortford BID is unwavering in its commitment to fostering a dynamic, inclusive and resilient town centre. Through transformative events, advocacy and innovative projects, we will continue to champion the best of what our town has to offer.
Thank you to the businesses, residents and visitors who have supported us this year. Together, we’ve shown that Bishop’s Stortford is more than just a place to shop - it’s the beating heart of our community.
Here’s to building on this year’s successes and shaping an even brighter future.
