Plans are underway to launch a Northern Quarter Business Improvement District (BID).
What is a BID?
A Business Improvement District is a designated geographical area where local businesses invest collectively in additional services and initiatives to improve the trading environment.
Manchester already has two BIDs in operation: the City Centre BID (running since 2013, retail focus) and Accommodation BID (running since 2023, hotelier focus).
The Northern Quarter BID will join this group of successful Manchester BIDs.
Funding for BID services and initiatives is raised through a levy, based on businesses’ rateable value.
BID activities are guided by an agreed Business Plan.
To secure a BID, a ballot process takes place.
Business Consultations
We have been talking to Northern Quarter businesses since last Summer, and you’ve told us what you would like to see a BID deliver.
Business feedback breaks down into a headline themes:
Operational Support
- Street Cleansing and Operational Support
- Enhanced street Security
- A Hosting team
- Sharing of City Intelligence
Marketing
- Area Branding and Signage
- Marketing of the area
NQ BID Proposal: Area Map
Inc. Arts Centres, Banks, Bars, Betting Shops, Bowling Alleys, Cafés, Car Parks, Cinemas, Clubs, Colleges, Escape Rooms, Fitness Studios, Food Courts, Golf, Gyms, Health Centres, Leisure Centres, Offices, Public Houses, Restaurants, Retailers, Shops, Showrooms, Training Centres, Warehouses, Wine Bars, Workrooms, Workshops.
Proposed Services & Initiatives
Operational Support
- Street Cleansing and Operational Support
Delivering services additional to those provided by statutory bodies; including, but not limited to, cleansing, litter removal and greening
- Enhanced street Security
Developing an ‘angels’ scheme for the area to support statutory services at weekends and in the evenings; working with the Manchester City Council on improving reporting and resolution to issues around anti-social behaviour
- A Hosting team
Employing hosts to improve the welcome to the area, directing visitors and encouraging longer stays
- Sharing of City Intelligence
Maintaining a range of data collection services, including on footfall and dwell time within area
Marketing
- Area Branding and Signage
Improving the sense of entry to the Northern Quarter area, investing in signage and banners throughout
- Marketing of the area
Working with the tourist board Marketing Manchester and others to promote the day and night-time economies; working on street trails and tours of the area
How the BID will be managed
The Northern Quarter BID will be an independent company, limited by guarantee.
CityCo, The City Centre Management Company, will employ Day-time and Night-time Managers to deliver the Business Plan projects and maintain regular communication with businesses.
The number of properties or hereditaments liable for the levy is approximately 420. The aim is to raise £900K – £1million per year to spend on projects.
The levy will charged for a 5-year term from 1st January 2027. There are fixed rules for how the levy is collected, all part of ratings legislation.
Services provided by the NQ BID will be additional to those provided by statutory authorities.
Process & Timeline
Consultation & Business Plan
- NQ Round-Table meetings – January | February 2026
- Business Plan developed and continued consultation – March | April 2026
- Final Business Plan circulated – end May 2026
Ballot
- Canvass process – letters from Council to businesses – March 2026
- Ballot papers circulated – June 2026
- Results released – July 2026
Northern Quarter BID launch
- NQ BID starts for a 5-year term – 1st January 2027
Enquiries: NQBID@cityco.com
