Welcome to the Otley BID August 2017 Update, which keeps you abreast of BID projects that are currently underway and information that affects our BID levy paying businesses.
The Boats Are Back!
It is fantastic to see the boats back on the river after 16 long years, and our congratulations go to Chris Thornton at Aura Jewellery for having a dream and seeing it through to completion – despite having to get through a long logistical nightmare in the process!
The BID saw this as a key priority for helping make Otley an even more attractive place to visit and so supported and helped Chris throughout, as did Leeds City Council, Otley Town Council, Otley’s Councillors and many more. A huge well done to everyone involved in making history again for our fabulous town.
Improved Signage
We are progressing with Leeds City Council to improve many areas around town including parking, weekly markets and many other things.
We are pleased to report that car parking and employment land sites have received some welcome news recently and hopefully we will be able to release more information in next month’s bulletin.
Leeds Growth Strategy 2017-2023
Otley BID has been asked to provide its thoughts on the way Leeds’ economy will develop. With an economy bigger than that of Wales, Leeds has plans to double the size of the city centre to create the largest single shopping space on the UK and possibly Europe. We therefore need to look at how Otley and Leeds’ 90 other neighbourhood centres fit into this Council strategy, and make it a top priority to everyone in these areas.
In its response the BID is wanting clarification that Otley will play an increasingly important role in the promotion of the City of Leeds as ‘Best City for Business and Communities’.
You can find out more about Leeds City Council’s Draft Strategy and ’12 Big Ideas’ Action Plan by visiting their website www.leedsgrowthstrategy.co.uk, and anyone is welcome to comment. The consultation period runs until 16th October. Please share your thoughts with Otley BID manager Peter Mudge, email peter.mudge@otleybid.co.uk
