THEY’RE NOT making a song and dance about it – but leading Bradford community arts organisation, The Brick Box, wants businesses across the city centre to ‘Vote Yes’ for a Business Improvement District.

Co-directors Eleanor Barrett (left) and Rosie Freeman, pictured outside The Brick Box Rooms, in Ivegate, say the BID can have a huge impact on bringing people together to give the city centre a lift and they are urging everyone with a vote to get behind the plan when ballot papers are issued on September 13.

“We are very excited about the essential role the BID will play in the future, increasing visitor numbers, improving people's experiences and truly putting Bradford on the map,” said Ms Barrett.

If the BID vote goes in favour, a new limited company will be set up in December to manage a total of £2.5 million, raised by a levy of more than 630 firms and organisations, to be spent on projects to improve the city centre over the next five years, including boosting safety and cleanliness, organising events and marketing and promoting the area.

Described by the Royal College of Art as “arts regeneration mavericks”, The Brick Box delivers art projects, events and festivals, people-led regeneration projects and consultancy services in a wide variety of locations including high streets, markets, housing estates, loading bays, parks, pubs and even motorway underpasses.