Thursday November 2nd 2017
From left to right, Phil Bowen Pigeon Penguin, Cllr John Hackett, Tom Donaldson of One Dalkeith and Midlothian Council’s cabinet member for economic development, Cllr Russell Imrie.
A scheme to create a Business Improvement District in Dalkeith, led by the development trust, One Dalkeith, is a step closer thanks to a £40,000 investment.
Midlothian Council and the Borders Railway Blueprint Programme, which aims to maximise the economic opportunities offered by the line, each agreed to inject £10,000 into the project, matching a £20,000 grant from the Scottish Government.
The funding will allow for the appointment of a part time coordinator to lead an extensive and inclusive business consultation with all the businesses in and around the town centre.
Councillor Russell Imrie, the cabinet member for economic development, said:
“We are working in partnership with One Dalkeith. We want as many Dalkeith businesses to tell us what they think will make the town centre a stronger, more vibrant place where businesses can thrive.
“The aim is for the town centre to be a destination in its own right, with people coming on the Borders Railway to enjoy the shops, restaurants, businesses and tourism opportunities nearby like Dalkeith Country Park. We’re really hoping we get an enthusiastic response to the consultation.”
There will be a number of opportunities for businesses to get involved. The consultation process will help understand the needs of the businesses and identify key projects which the BID would deliver if successful at ballot. This will be presented in a business plan. The whole process should take around 15 months.
If given the go ahead, the businesses involved will have a say in the improvement plans. The scheme will run for five years, after which a further renewal ballot takes place to decide whether the arrangement should continue for a further five years.
The collective work is funded by a compulsory Business Improvement District levy on businesses in the designated town centre BID area.
The development trust, One Dalkeith, is leading on the BID, which, if approved will create Midlothian’s second BID. The first local BID was established in Penicuik.
Tom Donaldson of One Dalkeith said: “This is an excellent opportunity for Dalkeith businesses to take a proactive hand in development and enhancement of the collective economic wellbeing of our community.”
Phil Bowen of local business Pigeon Penguin Web and App Development Limited said: “I am really pleased to be able to support the BID along with other local businesses. Improving Dalkeith will have an economic and social benefit for all who live and work in and around the area.”
The Blueprint money was awarded as part of a joint railway corridor BID along with Galashiels.
For more information on the Dalkeith BID visit OneDalkeith.info.
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