Priorities
Blackburn town centre BID has 3 priorities for the term 2024-2029, identified through consultations with businesses
Marketing & Promoting Blackburn Town Centre
A vibrant town centre
- Delivering and supporting town centre wide events throughout the year
- Creating and delivering marketing campaigns for the town centre and events
- Promoting and supporting BID member businesses
- Managing Blackburn BID social media channels and creating content
What’s new for 2026
In addition to continuing our current programme of events and initiatives, we will introduce the following new activities in 2026:
- Commission an Eid event and increase promotional activity to reflect its significance for local businesses.
- Explore the introduction of a Santa’s Grotto in the town centre to enhance the Christmas offer.
- Implement targeted social media campaigns featuring human-interest stories from BID businesses to strengthen community engagement.
- Integrate the BID website into the Discover Blackburn platform for streamlined management and improved user experience.
- Enhance member communications through updated contact databases and the introduction of a WhatsApp channel to ensure timely and relevant information delivery.
Making the Town Centre
Safer & More Secure
- Commissioning an enhanced ranger service
- Delivering targeted security patrols
- Funding and supporting the Blackburn Businesses Against Crime (BBAC) crime reduction partnership
- Management of the DISC information sharing system
- Working in partnership to deliver crime prevention and reduction initiatives
What’s New for 2026?
Building on the successes of 2025, we will also deliver the following new initiatives:
- Host bi-monthly drop-in sessions for businesses to raise and discuss safety concerns with the BBAC Coordinator, Town Centre Rangers, and Neighbourhood Police.
- Increase Town Centre Ranger patrol hours in response to positive feedback and demonstrated impact.
- Support the implementation of new Respect Orders by gathering evidence of anti-social behaviour to assist enforcement.
- Investigate improvements to key gateways and identified areas within the BID zone to enhance public safety and perceptions of security.
Making the town centre environment
Cleaner, Greener & More Sustainable
- Growing Places community planting projects
- Develop and lead urban tree walks around the town centre.
- Adoption of Blackburn Train Station to deliver environmental improvements.
- Showcasing the town centre’s green spaces through illustrated maps, guided and self-led walks.
What’s New for 2026?
Alongside ongoing activity, these new plans will further strengthen our impact in 2026:
- Continue station adoption initiatives at Blackburn Train Station, focusing on its role as a key gateway to the town.
- Collaborate with community groups to build capacity for independent maintenance of planters between scheduled gardening sessions.
- Seek additional funding to enhance the Growing Places project at Blackburn Train Station.
Supporting Businesses
Blackburn BID supports its members through regular communications, expert referrals via Growth Lancashire, and tailored workshop and training to meet business needs.
Every BID initiative is designed to help businesses thrive and contribute to a thriving town centre.
What’s New for 2026?
- Maintain regular communication with BID members through e-newsletters and improved contact management.
- Launch a WhatsApp channel to provide timely updates and critical information.
- Supply businesses with regular footfall data for the BID area to inform decision making and planning.
