Next Steps for Potential BID
The next steps in the process that could establish a Business Improvement District (BID) for Dundee city centre will be outlined to the City Growth and Infrastructure Committee.
A BID ballot of eligible businesses is due to be held between February and March 2026. Subject to a successful outcome, the BID would operate for an initial five-year term, with operations starting on May 1, 2026.
A BID is a business led initiative within a defined area where businesses work together and collectively invest funds raised by a levy. This would be used for projects and improvements which must be additional to services already provided by the local authority.
The Dundee bid proposal is based on a levy 1.5% of rateable value of the eligible 380 properties within the BID boundary with a Non-Domestic Rateable value of £25,000 and above.
Councillors are being asked to confirm that Dundee City Council will not exercise its right to veto the BID proposal document. They are also being recommended to commit the local authority to vote in a forthcoming BID ballot.
A further report would be brought back to the committee in February presenting the BID business plan and recommending a voting option.
A steering group of businesses interested in a Dundee BID has been established and has undertaken extensive stakeholder engagement with city centre businesses.
Feedback has informed the preparation of a BID proposal which focuses on key priorities:
Safer Streets – a more secure and friendly city centre
Cleaner – a more welcoming city centre for all
Vibrant – a more engaging city centre
Empowered – representing city centre businesses through strong partnerships
The committee will hear that the priorities are aligned with and will support progress to deliver the council’s City Centre Strategic Investment Plan 2020-2050. This plan is designed to encourage growth in the city centre and requires close work between the council and private sector interests.
A detailed BID Business Plan will be developed and will accompany the ballot papers which will be issued at the end of January 2026.
Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: "The establishment of a BID could be a significant development in our vision to transform the city centre for the future.
“I am impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the steering group who have put together a very strong case for a Dundee BID and what could be achieved. We have seen the success of other BIDs which have been established across Scotland and the benefits they have brought for local economies.
“There is a real shared desire to make Dundee a better place for everyone, and we must consider every tool at our disposal to make things happen.”
Stuart McFarlane, Co-Chair Dundee BID and Store Manager, Primark, said: "Feedback from businesses over the past few months have helped us shape Dundee BID, in terms of our priorities for Dundee City Centre, our geography, and how Dundee BID will operate. Dundee BID will be by the businesses, for the businesses and will work hand-in-hand with key partners to help shape the future of Dundee City Centre
"There is an overwhelming support for Dundee BID and we are confident of a favourable outcome in the ballot early next year.
“I am proud to be part of this movement and believe this is our chance to shape a city centre that reflects our ambition, energy, and pride.”
The City Growth and Infrastructure Committee meets on Monday January 5, 2026.
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