Business and the economy

Business Improvement Districts

Devonport business district.

Want to contact a BID coordinator?

Albany
Gary Holmes
gm@albanybusiness.org.nz
Telephone: 968 2222

Birkenhead
David Barrett (chair)
david.barrett@nbnz.co.nz
Telephone: 480 0044

Browns Bay                  
Tom Kohut        coordinator@brownsbay.org.nz
Telephone: 475 5055
Meetings: 2nd Monday each month

Northcote                     
Dean Wilson   
wilson.dean@xtra.co.nz
Telephone: 620 1121
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday each month

Takapuna Beach
Peter White       
info@takapunabeach.co.nz
Telephone 489 1003
Meetings: 3rd Tuesday each month

Torbay                         
Carole McKinn   mainstreet.torbay@xtra.co.nz
Telephone: 473 3259
Meetings: 2nd Tuesday each month.

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 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 six Business Improvement Districts on the North Shore.

Albany

Albany BIDThe Albany Business Association's goal is "making Albany a better place to do business".

As North Shore City's first light industrial/ manufacturing\based Business Improvement District, Albany is breaking new ground for business groups on the North Shore to work together and tackle community-wide concerns.

The initial focus will be on traffic issues, crime prevention, business attraction and retention, and the marketing of Albany to a wider business audience.

www.albanybusiness.org.nz

Birkenhead

Browns Bay

Browns Bay residents relaxing

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

Northcote

Taiwanese Lion Dance at NorthcoteThe 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

Takapuna Beach

Takapuna shoppersLocated 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

Torbay

Torbay business districtLocated 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. More details on the "Torbay Brochure"

www.torbay.co.nz

Image of an list arrow. If you are interested in other North Shore City town centres find out more here.

Documents

Image of an list arrow. Interested in finding out more about BID's? Check out the book by Lawrence O. Houstoun, Jnr. Business Improvement Districts (2nd Edition)

Image of an list arrow. Business Improvement Districts Guidelines   (PDF 111KB)

You will need Acrobat Reader to view these documents which can be downloaded free from www.adobe.com

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