Call for Peterborough BID to look at role of night-time economy

Steve Jason, owner of the Met Lounge, in Bridge Street, says the needs of night time economy venues such as his are different to those of many businesses that operate during the day.

He says venues like the Met Lounge should be exempt from the levy charged by the Business Improvement District, which is operated by Peterborough Positive.

“Or there should be two funding pots, one to help the night time economy, and the other for day time businesses.

Mr Jason said: “I just feel that it is all geared towards the day time business and is not particularly good for the night time economy.

He added: “It is difficult to see how night-time businesses benefit from events held in the day in the city centre.”

Since its creation, the Peterborough BID has focused on reducing crime, improving safety for visitors to the city, enhancing the visitor experience and marketing the city – aims that were agreed by businesses taking part in setting up the BID district.

Businesses in the BID area, which reaches from from the train station to just beyond the cathedral and between Fletton Quays and Broadway, are currently voting on whether they want the organisation to run for another five year term.

The Peterborough BID was given the green light in October 2021 when it secured backing by 84 per cent of the voting businesses.

When the vote takes place businesses will have to decide by both a simple majority and with the total rateable value of businesses voting in favour greater than those voting against, if they want to be part of the BID initiative to enhance the city centre.

BID members pay a levy of 1.5 per cent of their rateable value to the BID which helps generate about £1.8 million over five years for works and

Pep Cipriano, chief operating officer of the BID, said he would be happy to discuss Mr Jason’s concerns after the ballot was over.