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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has agreed to support the Newry BID revote, subject to several stipulations.
The Council’s economy, regeneration and tourism committee agreed at Monday night's meeting, 9 February, behind closed doors away from the media and the public to support the Business Improvement District (BID) initiative.
A BID is formed when the majority of business ratepayers vote to invest collectively in that area over a five year term with more than £1m invested since 2016 by the Newry BID, according to its website.
A voting ballot is due to be launched this week.
In chambers during open session, committee chairperson Killian Feehan said: “It was agreed on a proposal by Councillor Glyn Hanna and seconded by Councillor Valerie Harte to vote in favour of the Newry BID renewal for the period 2026-31, subject to the review and update of BID levy operating agreement, the implementation of the recommendations included in the audit for 2025, a quarterly report and an annual presentation by Newry BID team on delivery against the BID’s strategic priorities as set out in the proposals.”
The Newry BID levy is set at 1.5% which is applied to the rateable value or NAV of any property.
Legislation passed by Stormont in 2013 defines that all businesses are legally obliged to pay the levy.
Newry is considered a major retail district which attracts thousands of shoppers from both sides of the border to The Quays and Buttercrane shopping centres as well as its High Street district and its retail park at Damolly.
Newry BID states on its website that it has delivered on key projects including, marketing campaigns, substantial training programmes, free parking provision, successful rates, traffic warden and CCTV for the area.
Newry BID has now formally launched its re-vote campaign.
Voting will close next month (March 25) and a result expected the next day.
The ballot will ask eligible city centre businesses to vote on whether the BID should continue for a further five-year term from 2026 to 2031.
