BID team promises a bold new future for Plymouth waterfront

The Plymouth Waterfront Partnership (PWP) today pledged to target £10.4m more investment for better trail and transport links, more marketing and events, new grants and protected Council services as it awaits the return of a crucial ballot on its very existence.

The PWP hopes to have a mandate to continue to run the Waterfront Business Improvement District for a further five years – but only if a majority turnout of the area’s existing businesses vote “Yes” to the ballot, which closes this Wednesday.

Today PWP promised a renaissance of the city’s beautiful seafront as it vowed to champion delivery of the new Waterfront Masterplan, to deliver new work to celebrate the city’s heritage and to enhance connectivity across the Waterfront and with the City Centre.

And it will work to make the most of the forthcoming Mayflower 400 celebrations in 2020 when the eyes of the world will be on Plymouth for the anniversary of the Pilgrim’s historic journey to the New World.

But PWP Chief Executive and Waterfront Manager Sarah Gibson had a stark message for undecided businesses who may not yet have voted as they await the final tally.

She said: “The developments and improvements that are planned may not have the money to succeed if the BID doesn’t exist to make sure the Council’s services are ring-fenced and additional new funds are targeted for the Waterfront.

“We have achieved a huge amount over the last five years but there is still much more that must be done.

“Top of the agenda will be our work with partners to improve pedestrian and transport links with new boulevards and trails ahead of Mayflower 400, to help visitors make the most of the entire Waterfront’s attractions, shops, bars and restaurants. Building on our scheme Plymouth Waterlinks, we hope to create a joint travel ticket between ferries, buses and the landtrain.

“The quality of the public realm is a main priority. During BID1 we co-commissioned the creation of the Waterfront Masterplan which identified key enhancements, and now with BID2 we intend to champion delivery of that Masterplan to ensure it’s brought to fruition.

Cabinet Member Cllr Glenn Jordan emphasised the Council’s support for the business driven BID, saying “The BID’s existence is attractive to funding bodies. Our partnership work with PWP provides a blend of Private and Public sector coordination for both strategic planning and operational delivery. This better guarantees success and has so far attracted more than £770k of Coastal Communities funding. Working with PWP during BID2, together we aim to target more than £1.6m of Heritage Lottery and Arts Council funds for Waterfront delivery.”

Responding to PWP’s requests, the Council has pledged to ring-fence service spending within the BID area for another five years and committed a further £1m to improve the Hoe Foreshore this spring as well as nearly half a million pounds to replace the Mount Batten Pontoon in the autumn. Previously during BID1, the Council had committed more than £3m to the Waterfront including £75,000 on illuminating Smeaton’s Tower and the Mount Batten Tower and £300,000 on new public toilets at Devil’s Point and the Barbican.

The PWP’s original Waterfront BID1 began in 2012 as a dedicated place management organisation. It ensured enhancements were achieved including new public realm investments, repairs to the foreshore and improved cleanliness and safety. All of this contributes toward promoting an attractive area to new investors, likely helping to secure a £50m redevelopment of the Quality Inn site to create a new five-star hotel on Plymouth’s iconic Hoe.

Working with local businesses they created popular events including the Plymouth Pirate Weekend and the Plymouth Seafood Festival and ring-fenced and secured more than £2.7m worth of Plymouth City Council spending, with a similar commitment for a successful Waterfront BID2.

PWP Chairman Chris Arscott said: “The PWP’s record speaks for itself. We have accomplished a great deal over the last five years and developed strong partnerships with the Council, Destination Plymouth and the City Centre Company BID.

“Building on Waterfront BID1 we will strive to secure additional investment from outside the city, ensure a more cohesive Waterfront community and ensure we also get the basics right, with further improved cleansing, waste management and coastal planting schemes.

“We must ensure our Waterfront is ready for the global spotlight that Mayflower 400 will bring to secure more investment and worldwide awareness.

“Every major decision the council considers for the Waterfront involves the Plymouth Waterfront Partnership, its Board and its executive team.

“Without the input, ideas and commitment of the PWP there would be no organisation fighting solely for the future of the jewel in Britain’s Ocean City’s crown, Plymouth’s incredible Waterfront.”

Traders – in a four-square mile area stretching from Stonehouse to Coxside - currently pay 1.5 per cent of their rateable value annually in return for the PWP’s enhanced services, projects, events and marketing.

All 877 Waterfront business voters are due to return their ballot papers by Wednesday (1) and the result will be announced by March 8.

Find out more at www.waterfrontbid.co.uk