Over the last five years Marble Arch London BID has laid the foundations for the transformation of the Edgware Road district. Since launching in April 2016, the BID has delivered a full range of essential, valued services and schemes, undertaking ambitious public realm enhancements, improving the safety and quality of our streets, creating a vibrant commercial centre alongside a shopping, dining and leisure experience which celebrates all aspects of our cultural heritage.
The BID represents a wide range of member organisations. The office sector comprises around 65 different companies. Global and European head offices in multi-let units sit alongside London and local offices, operating in virtually every industry. As the BID enters its second term a significant tranche of investment bears fruit, with Marble Arch Place and Regent House bringing new office occupiers, restaurants, retail and leisure operators, alongside a new residential community.
“As a champion for business, Marble Arch London BID is a promoter, partner and advocate for the 200 member organisations located in the Marble Arch and Edgware Road district, making it a welcoming and thriving destination to shop, visit and work.”
Nigel Beet CBE, Chairman, Marble Arch London BID
The district’s hospitality sector hosts just under 3,000 bedrooms plus over 10,000 square metres of meeting and event space. A further 544 bedrooms are in the development pipeline, with consent for three new hotels in the BID area. The sector brings hundreds of thousands of visitors to the district and is one of the largest employers, complementing our diverse and vibrant food and drink scene.
Staples of the high street thrive the length of Edgware Road, between the boutique offerings of Connaught Village and Seymour Place. A flourishing health and beauty sector can be found across the district, serving people who visit, live and work here.
The next term of the BID, from 2021 to 2026, will see the completion of significant developments across the district, consolidating the area’s position as one of London’s prime commercial locations. This unparalleled growth continues over the next five to ten years, accompanied by the arrival of the Elizabeth Line, with two stations, Paddington and Bond Street, boosting accessibility and journey times into the district.
The BID’s vital work in future-proofing the location remains focused on our four key themes of environment, security, celebrating and community. The BID’s vision is to foster a location in which people can be confident to do business, shop, stay, work, eat out, attend school and live. We promote, support and protect our members and their operations, and to provide them with the environment, insights, intelligence and tools to grow and succeed.
A partnership approach on environment, transport and public realm schemes lies at the heart of our activities. Marble Arch London BID has the lowest BID levy income of all eight BIDs in Westminster and our role is one of lobbyist, levering in external funding to complement BID expenditure. It is estimated that over £6.5 million has already been levered into the BID area and invested in highway infrastructure since the BID commenced operations in April 2016. Throughout the second term the BID will continue to work hand in hand with Westminster City Council, Transport for London and The Royal Parks, progressing gateway schemes, completing junction improvements, bringing forward major public realm schemes, tackling legacy subways and addressing freight, waste and air quality challenges.
“Westminster's partnerships with its Business Improvement Districts are vital to delivering a growing and inclusive economy that benefits residents and visitors to our city alike. I am delighted to see Marble Arch London BID head into its second term and look forward to seeing its Business Plan being realised over the next five years.”
Cllr Matthew Green, Westminster City Council
Intelligence led responses to crime and anti-social behaviour will underpin the next BID term, through our dedicated Street Team and Neighbourhood Co-ordinator. The Street Team, with us from the outset, remain one of the most visible, accessible, and highly regarded services provided by the BID, instilling confidence throughout the community. Their presence has led to significant improvements in the safety of the entire neighbourhood. Our Business Crime Group ensures that all members, from shops to schools, can help shape our security response. Equipping businesses to prepare for, and reduce, interruptions to operations will build a resilient district.
Our Community Programme sees BID members supporting over 20 local schools, charities and social enterprises, with more and more companies valuing the impact that volunteering through the programme has on colleagues and the community alike. The programme is the cornerstone of the BID’s relationships and bears wonderful fruit all year round. The response of businesses during Covid-19 is testament to the strong community spirit that prevails within Marble Arch. Despite facing sudden closure in response to government announcements and considerable financial uncertainty, we witnessed a surge in members’ engagement with our Community Programme, channeling donations of surplus food and equipment to vulnerable residents and key workers.
Supporting the revitalisation of the district’s hospitality sector following the Covid-19 pandemic will be a top priority in the early years of our second term, by setting a clear path for the revival of the area and being there every step of the way as our members continue their recovery. Through our popular Eating out Guide, and a brand-new Loyalty Scheme, the BID will bang the drum for our unique dining quarter. We will attract events that drive footfall to the district and shine a light on the location to further raise its reputation as a hospitality and leisure destination.
As a champion for business, Marble Arch London BID is a promoter, partner and advocate for the 200 member organisations located in the Marble Arch and Edgware Road district – the only body with the single aim of speaking for, and on behalf of, the district. Our expert and knowledgeable team work in close collaboration with key partners including Westminster City Council, Transport for London, the Metropolitan Police and the Greater London Authority to provide our members with the latest insight, advice and intelligence to help them navigate the complex and ever-changing legislative environment.
The BID enters its second term in the most challenging of conditions for our business members. We are immensely grateful for their ongoing support and it is a privilege to provide the collective voice for the district in continuing to deliver positive change.
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