The result for the Kingston First Renewal Ballot has now been announced. Businesses voted overwhelmingly in support of renewing the BID for another 5 year term from January 2025 to December 2029.

94% of businesses voted in favour (96% by RV), with a turnout of 58%. You can find the official declaration of the result here.

Our vision is for Kingston to be a vibrant town where everyone has an amazing experience.

Over the last 5 years we have worked hard through challenging times; improving the public realm through urban greening, topping up the cleaning provided by the council, putting on events to drive footfall, marketing businesses and the town centre, organising networking events, and providing value for money services.

Every 5 years there is a ballot, where all businesses and organisations have a vote. Kingston Firsts ballot was in June 2024, and with a successful result, our fifth term from January 2025 – December 2029.

Every eligible business had an opportunity to have their say in surveys, networking events, workshops and one-to-one meetings. The BID then produced a new business plan to benefit Kingston Town Centre which was then voted on as part of the ballot process.

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Kingston First Business Plan, 2025-2029

Ahead of the Renewal Ballot in June, we launched our new business plan for 2025 – 2029.

The plan outlines our £5 million, 5 year programme of investment for Kingston Town Centre and support for you, from Jan 2025. It is based on your feedback in surveys, engagement events and 1-2-1 meetings over the past year.

READ THE BUSINESS PLAN

Who we are

We are thrilled that so many business and organisations value the work Kingston First Business Improvement District (BID) undertakes. Voted for, supported by and working with local businesses, Kingston First is a not-for-profit company with a passionate team, governed by local volunteers from the surrounding business community, with the sole purpose of improving our local area as a place to work, visit and live.
VIEW THE BID BOUNDARIES
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We did that…

The BID Renewal Ballot

Kingston First’s ambition is to continue its work to improve and serve the town centre. To do this, like all other BIDs in England, it must be successful at a renewal ballot which asks businesses to vote on whether they wish Kingston First to continue.

The Kingston First BID Renewal ballot was undertaken through postal ballot carried out by Civica on behalf of Kingston Council. All businesses eligible to pay the BID levy voted for each unit they pay business rates on (hereditament). Businesses occupying more than one hereditament within the area were therefore entitled to more than one vote.

For Kingston First to continue and implement its BID Proposal for 2025-2029 the ballot result had to be positive on two counts:
  • The majority of votes must be in favour of the renewal of Kingston First BID
  • The total rateable value voting in favour must exceed those voting against

We operate within the boundary shown on the map which includes the following streets, either in whole or in part.

Adams Walk, Alderman Judge Mall, Apple Market, Ashdown Road, Bath Passage, Bishops Hall, Brook Street, Castle Street, Charter Quay, Church Street, Clarence Street, Cromwell Road, Crown Arcade, Crown Passage, Dolphin Street, Down Hall Road, East Lane, Eden Street, Eden Walk, Emms Passage, Fairfield North, Fairfield Road, Fife Road, Griffin Centre, Grove Crescent, Harrow Passage, High Street, Horse Fair, Jerome Place, Kent Road, Kings Passage, Kingston Hall Road, Lady Booth Road, Market Place, Milner Road, Nipper Alley, Old London Road, Penrhyn Road, Ram Passage, Richmond Road, Riverside Walk, Skerne Road, South Lane, St James’ Road, Steadfast Road, Thames Side, Thames Street, The Bittoms, Union Street, Vicarage Road, Wadbrook Street, Water Lane, Weston Park, Wheatfield Way, Wood Street

Meet the team

LEARN MORE
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Additional Documents

BASELINE AGREEMENT (DRAFT)
OPERATING AGREEMENT (DRAFT)
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