Newbury’s business community has voted “yes” to a fourth term for Newbury Business Improvement District (BID), securing £1.6 million of ring-fenced investment into Newbury town centre over the next five years.
The successful ballot means Newbury BID will begin a new five-year term in June 2027, continuing to deliver projects and services designed to support businesses, encourage footfall and contribute to a vibrant, safe and welcoming town centre.
The Term 4 ballot ran from 11th September to 8th October 2026, giving eligible businesses across Newbury town centre the opportunity to vote on whether Newbury BID should continue into a fourth consecutive term, running from June 2027 to May 2032.
The ballot result was confirmed today by Civica Election Services, with 73.7% of votes cast in favour, and 75.6% in favour by Rateable Value.
More than £1.6 million of ring-fenced investment will now be used to deliver projects that fall under three strategic pillars: Destination Newbury, Safer Newbury and Working for Newbury.
Projects will include a continued focus on free-to-attend events designed to encourage footfall, marketing campaigns through the Visit Newbury brand to promote the town to new visitors, investment in new seasonal decorations, increased BID Ambassador cover to seven days a week, a new Shopwatch scheme and other business support initiatives.
Richard Farley, Newbury BID Manager says:
“This is a real vote of confidence from Newbury town centre businesses, and we are delighted that Newbury Business Improvement District and our Visit Newbury brand will continue for another five years. Can I take this opportunity to thank all the businesses within the town centre, including West Berkshire Council and Newbury Town Council for the support shown to us.
As lifelong Newburians, we are passionate about improving our town for the good of all, and this result shows that there is a real appetite within the town centre to work together to make this happen. Now comes the fun part of preparing the events, installations and ideas for the next term. But first, we’ll be finalising details for this year’s Christmas Lights Switch On, taking place on Saturday 14th November.
Thank you once again Newbury, we hope to make you proud!”
Ian Batho, owner of Cow & Cask and Chair of Newbury BID adds:
“We are delighted that local businesses have chosen to support Newbury BID for another five years.
As a business owner myself, it has been a pleasure to be involved with Newbury BID and the team have some great ideas lined up to benefit local businesses in the new term.
Thank you to all the businesses who took the time to vote and secure the future of an organisation that does so much for Newbury town centre.”
Newbury BID was established by local businesses in 2012 and is one of more than 350 Business Improvement Districts operating across the UK. BIDs are business-led and business-funded bodies, formed to improve a defined commercial area.
Its vision for the new term is “championing a truly exceptional market town that continues to deliver above and beyond for businesses, locals and visitors”.
The full programme of projects for the new term is set out in Newbury BID’s 2027–2032 Business Plan, which is available to view at visitnewbury.org.uk/about.
