WINSFORD Industrial Estate is set to receive more than £500,000 of investment after securing a third Business Improvement District (BID).

Business Improvement Districts have been supporting business communities across the UK since their creation in 2004.

The Winsford BID has been developed and managed by Groundwork Cheshire since 2006.

In October, Winsford business Environment Group issued a draft Winsford Industrial Estate Business Improvement District (BID 3) proposal as a basis for consultation.

BID 3, which is currently set to run until 2021, received the backing of 90 per cent of businesses on the Winsford Industrial Estate, and is now the UK’s longest running non-retail BID in the UK.

Jane Hough, from Groundwork, said: “I am absolutely delighted that Winsford Industrial Estate has been successful in securing a third BID, this is a UK first for an Industrial Estate, and demonstrates the economic and business value delivered by well managed Business Improvement Districts.

“The Winsford BID is an excellent example of results that great partnership working between Cheshire West and Chester Council, local businesses and Groundwork can deliver.”

The draft proposal was given the backing of Winsford Town Council when it was discussed at a full council meeting in September.

Cllr Brian Clarke, the Cheshire West and Chester Council cabinet member for economic development and infrastructure, urged the town council to back the bid, as it was a ‘brilliant idea’.

Now BID 3 has been approved, Winsford Industrial Estate will now see a range of investments including enhanced security and CCTV systems and landscape improvements.

It will also see a range of business support services including a dedicated estate manager, regular training programmes and inward investment support.

Pete Price, chairman of the Business Improvement District and managing director of Office Essentials, based on the Winsford Industrial Estate, said: “It is fantastic that the businesses on Winsford Industrial Estate have placed their faith and commitment in the BID, this is evident by the fantastic vote result.

“On the back of the investment made to date by the BIDs, we have seen an increase in inward investment by companies confident to invest in Winsford Industrial Estate, which has delivered a significant increase in commercial and industrial space, jobs and business growth.”