A five-year plan (2027-2032): Bringing £4million additional investment into the Northern Quarter
A Business Improvement District (BID) is a defined geographical area where businesses come together around an agreed Business Plan. This plan is then voted on, and if passed, comes into effect for a five-year period.
A BID is financed through a levy based on Rateable Value. The model is well established in Manchester. The City Centre BID launched in 2013 and represents retail, leisure, and office tenants. The Manchester Accommodation BID launched in 2023 and brings together hoteliers.
A successful Northern Quarter BID would be run in a comparable way and would benefit from substantial economies of scale.
What the Northern Quarter BID will do
The BID will focus on keeping the alternative spirit of the area while addressing the more negative aspects of 21st-century urban life.
The first few years will focus on Safety and Cleansing as priority areas of work.
Supporting businesses around 4 key themes:
Safety
The immediate priority is improving the safety of business customers and staff. Addressing anti-social behaviour and keeping pressure on statutory services to deliver. Through CityCo, providing access to urban resilience training and crisis management guidance.
Cleansing
The second priority for the first few years is cleaning the area. Providing cleansing services throughout the week and at weekends. Working on collaborative approaches to reduce waste on the streets and improve the streetscape.
Sense of Place
Delivering place-making projects that celebrate the distinctiveness of the area will follow. Contributing to city marketing strategies that promote the Northern Quarter, with a focus on daytime visitors.
Partnership
Lobbying for improved services, providing intelligence on footfall and use of the area, linking businesses into the Manchester Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), and collaborating with partners across the city to drive change.
Northern Quarter BID 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.
Full list of streets in the NQ BID
The BID Company
The Northern Quarter BID Company will be an independent, not for-profit company limited by guarantee, run by an independent Board of Directors. The Board will consist of representatives of levy paying businesses, alongside representatives from Manchester City Council and CityCo.
The BID will be managed by CityCo, The City Centre Management Company. The Chief Exec and staff will be accountable to the Northern Quarter Board for the delivery of the Business Plan.
The BID levy is collected by CityCo on behalf of Manchester City Council, and an Operating Agreement ensures the process is transparent.
Full Business Plan
For more details about each Delivery Theme, Financials, BID Levy Rules and Ballot Rules – see the full Business Plan (PDF).
Key Dates:
Monday 8th June 2026: Start of ballot
Monday 13th July 2026: Ballot closes
Tuesday 14th July 2026: Result announced
Friday 1st January 2027: Northern Quarter BID launches.
Help and Support
You can email info@cityco.com or call Gareth Worthington on 07816 432 275.
