The Crawley Town Centre Business Improvement District (BID) will deliver a range of projects and initiatives designed to make the town centre safer and more vibrant, where businesses feel more connected and where the offer is widely promoted and showcased. The BID runs for five years (2020 to 2025), with in excess of £2.25 million being invested in the town centre during this time.
The Town Centre BID business plan includes:
Safer environment
- Introduce Street Ambassadors
To build a relationship with businesses to tackle on-street issues such as crime and anti-social behaviour. - CCTV
Increase CCTV coverage and visibility. - Lobby for more police in town centre
Take an active role in speaking on behalf of businesses who would like increased police presence. - Work towards Best Bar None Scheme
Help night time economy venues to work towards better safety and national recognition.
Showcasing the offer
- Consumer website
With a dedicated visitor website we will showcase Crawley’s recreational offerings by promoting local events and offers in the area. - Dedicated social media
Establish a strong social media presence to help promote Crawley as a regional destination to consumers. - Exclusive offers to the office and professional sector
Create a sense of loyalty to employees in the area through bespoke offers and discounts
Enlivenment
- Family focused events
Work with local partners and businesses to deliver fun, family-focused events. - Food and Farmers’ markets
Bring a Food and Farmers’ market to Queensway and the Historic High Street to draw dwell-time and enliven the town. - A year long calendar of events
Raise communication about local events happening in the town centre to increase business participation.
Connecting
- Accessibility campaigns
Showcasing the best that Crawley has to offer compared to neighbouring town centres. - Business networking
Hosting a number of networking opportunities for businesses to ensure they feel connected to their town centre.
Improving
Amongst the views of the business community in Crawley was an overall desire to see an improved town centre. Enabling a safer environment, showcasing the town's offer, creating opportunities for enlivenment and better connecting businesses to the town centre would help achieve this key aspiration. The impact of both businesses and visitors having the opinion of Crawley as an improved town would also complement wider opportunities.