Dundee BID Approved by City Centre Businesses
Dundee city centre businesses have voted overwhelmingly in favour of establishing a Business Improvement District, marking a major step forward in strengthening the local economy, improving the area’s environment and supporting businesses to thrive.
Following a six-week campaign and a formal ballot of over 380 eligible businesses – including national retailers, traditional family enterprises, cultural venues, hotels, and third-sector organisations – the Dundee BID was approved by a clear majority, both in terms of turnout (76.9% voting in favour) and rateable value (85.7% supporting the proposal).
By pooling resources, the Dundee Business Improvement District, launching on 1 May 2026, aims to deliver a safer, cleaner and more vibrant city centre, one that attracts increased footfall from both local residents and visitors. In doing so, it will ensure the business community has a strong voice and plays an active role in driving positive, lasting change.
By contributing a set levy of 1.5% on their rateable value, the BID could potentially raise £2.4 million over five years, which will be invested directly in city centre improvements. All levy payers will have a say in the BID’s priorities, a coordinated programme of investment and activity which might include enhanced street cleaning and maintenance, marketing and events to drive footfall, crime reduction and security initiatives, business support and networking, and improvements to public spaces.
Businesses with a rateable value below £25,000, which were not eligible to vote, will not pay the levy. However, they would still benefit from the BID’s investment and will be represented on the BID Board.
Stuart McFarlane, Store Manager of Primark Dundee and Co-Chair of the Dundee BID, said, “We are delighted to celebrate the successful Dundee BID ballot – a tremendous milestone for Dundee City Centre. This result is a testament to the commitment, passion and belief shown by our business community, and we are sincerely grateful to every organisation and individual who contributed to this achievement. With the BID now approved, we can come together as a united business collective to drive meaningful, positive change: creating a safer, cleaner, more vibrant city centre that showcases Dundee’s true potential. This marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and together, we can build a city centre that businesses, residents and visitors are proud to experience every day.”
Meanwhile, Carrie Shannon, Co-Owner of Archies and Co-Chair of Dundee BID, added, “This is a pivotal moment for Dundee city centre and one which has been a long time coming. Now is the moment to turn the hope and optimism we captured during the campaign into practical ideas and meaningful action, initiatives that will draw local people and visitors back into the city centre and, in doing so, strengthen and revitalise city centre businesses. The BID is a long-term investment in Dundee, helping ensure the city centre remains a vibrant, competitive, and welcoming place for businesses and the wider community. We look forward to seeing ideas develop, planning gather momentum, and projects begin that will directly respond to the needs of the area.”
Their comments were echoed by Dundee City Council City Growth and Infrastructure Convener Councillor Steven Rome, who said, “The establishment of a BID is a significant development in our vision to transform the city centre for the future. I am impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the steering group who put together a very strong case for a Dundee BID and worked hard to achieve this result. There is a real shared desire to make Dundee a better place for everyone, and I look forward to seeing how the BID will help us drive forward our shared ambitions.”
Dundee BID will be transferred to a not-for-profit organisation from 1 May 2026. The company will be managed by the Dundee BID Steering Group until a Board of Directors is elected.
The Board of Directors will then create a Code of Conduct and Management and Governance policies and agree the “Operating Agreement” with Dundee City Council which will cover billing, collection, and transfer of the levy to the BID company.
For more information, visit www.dundeebid.co.uk
ENDS