Business Improvement Districts (BID's) are areas within North Shore City where local businesses have agreed to work together, with support from the Council, to improve their area and attract new businesses and customers.
The funding for the initiative comes from a special rate (a 'targeted rate') which the businesses within a set area agree to pay in order to fund improvements.
BID's are formed under the Councils Business Improvement District Guidelines - a comprehensive document which outlines how to establish a BID and how to successfully run one, once it is operative. A link to the Guidelines is available below.
Any group of businesses with a common interest in working together can become a BID - manufacturing areas, retail areas or office parks - the principles are the same. The group needs to form into an incorporated society and to establish and undertake a ballot to ensure sufficient numbers of businesses within the area agree to pay the targeted rate. Further information about the process to become a BID is available in the Business Improvement District guidelines (PDF 111KB)
Local BID's have used the funding from their targeted rates for a variety of programmes and activities, such as:
- Improving security measures
- Graffiti control
- Beautification projects
- Events and tourism initiatives
- Marketing and promotional activity
- Maintenance
- Business recruiting and retention
- Signage
- Seeking additional funds and grants
- Coordination of activities in the area
- Retail improvements
Council supports the development of BID areas as a means of building economic momentum.
Business Improvement Districts
There are currently seven Business Improvement Districts on the North Shore.
1. North Harbour
The North Harbour Business Association's goal is "making North Harbour a better place to do business".
As North Shore City's first light industrial/ manufacturing-based Business Improvement District, North Harbour is breaking new ground for business groups on the North Shore to work together and tackle community-wide business and economic concerns.
The initial focus will be on traffic issues, crime prevention, business attraction and retention, and the marketing of North Harbour to a wider business audience.
www.northharbourbusiness.org.nz
2. Browns Bay
Located on the edge of beautiful Browns Bay Beach with unobstructed views of the Hauraki Gulf and neighbouring islands, Browns Bay is the quintessential beach town. In both winter and summer, you will find a casual beach atmosphere, with beach clad locals mixing with shoppers, business people dining in street cafes and a vibrant retail atmosphere
Browns Bay's beach front is central to the community with community events and attractions being held throughout the year.
www.brownsbay.org.nz
3. Northcote
The Northcote Shopping Centre, has fashioned a reputation as being the best place on the North Shore to buy and try foods from various parts of the world.
The centre, located between Lake Road and College Rd in the heart of the Northcote suburb, is commonly referred to as the "multi-cultural flavour of the North Shore", with a wide range of food and produce on offer.
The centre is anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, with a variety of other outlets including butchers, bakers, green grocers, fish mongers and specialist Asian supermarkets.
The Northcote Shopping Centre is also a great place to eat, with over twenty cafes and restaurants. A feature is 'Food City', a food hall with twelve ethnic food operators under one roof. The centre is also home to a variety of other cafes which serve up European, Korean, Japanese, Malaysia and Vietnamese foods.
In total, the Northcote Shopping Centre has just over 80 retail businesses, medical practices, community organisations and public facilities. The centre is easy to access, and move around, as well as being safe, with a community constable and private security guard regularly on patrol.
The Northcote Shopping Centre has ample free parking (580 parks), an outstanding public library, and the NorthART Community Arts Centre which regularly features quality exhibitions and art classes.
www.northcote.net.nz
4. Takapuna Beach
Located five minutes north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge lies North Shore's premier commercial towncentre with the added attractions of a golden sand beach and a unique volcanic fresh water lake.
Geographically located by Anzac Rd, Lake Rd and Hurstmere Rd, Takapuna Beach has over 500 business members, an international hotel, and is defined as the CBD of North Shore City; housing retail and major financial corporations and is also the home for the North Shore City Council.
www.takapunabeach.co.nz
5. Torbay
Located in the Northern tip of North Shore City next to the majestic Long Bay Regional Park, Torbay revels in extended views of the Hauraki Gulf.
A unique sea side village of 35 local stores, health professionals, restaurants and cafes, Torbay Village celebrates its early pioneering days and community spirit with a series of murals throughout the village.
Summer is a perfect time to check out some great walks around the Torbay area. See the website below for more details.
www.torbay.co.nz
6. Mairangi Bay
Mairangi Bay is a beach side village of 70 businesses, located between Takapuna and Browns Bay.
The centre has boutique style shopping with a variety of independent businesses. Its a place to browse with many unique businesses of interest, particularly ladies fashion. Its the perfect place to enjoy a coffee or lunch in one of the superb cafes. In the evening its a destination for people who enjoy dining in first class restaurants.
Mairangi bay is also home to the Surf Life Club and the Arts Centre,which regularly holds exhibitions and is well worth a visit.
7. Birkenhead Town Centre
Birkenhead Town Centre has a unique location as the 'village on the hill' with its spectacular 180 degree views, surrounded by natural bush walks and the famous Chelsea parklands. You can access the centre via the Onewa Road motorway exit after coming across the Harbour Bridge, or arrive by ferry from the City (and catch a feeder bus up to the shops) or enjoya a brisk 20 minute walk from the ferry stop up to town centre. However you get to Birkenhead you will love its heritage feel with a wide variety of specialist shops and eateries.
Keep an eye on our website as Birkenhead prepares to shine for her 125th Anniversary Year celebrations - we extend an open invitation for you to come along and enjoy all we have to offer in our unique village on the hill.
www.birkenhead.net.nz
8. Milford Village
Milford is a vibrant and safe village centre that celebrates its unique coastal location whilst providing for the needs of its local community and visitors.
Milford is a highly attractive local centre with a wealth of retail, food and services establishments to choose from. Its easy to get to by public transport or driving and has plenty of parking right in the centre of town. Its relaxed feel invites you to stop and linger - have a coffee and enjoy Milford's hospitality and charm.
If you are interested in other North Shore City town centres find out more here.
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