Sheffield Business Improvement District (BID) has officially launched its proposal for a third term, covering the period from 2026 to 2031. The new plan outlines a bold, ambitious vision for the city centre, backed by £6 million of new investment and an updated boundary that reflects the evolving geography and energy of Sheffield city centre - ensuring all areas within it are connected and included. Established in 2015, the not-for-profit, non-political organisation works to improve Sheffield city centre for all. Over the past five years, Sheffield BID has delivered measurable impact through its second term, including:
- More than 605,000 visitors to BID-supported events
- An uplift of £12.5 million in visitor spend
- £800,000 in match funding secured
- A £1.86 million economic impact from The Fringe at Tramlines in 2024 alone
- Almost 8,000 hours of additional cleaning annually
Building on this success, “BID 3” introduces three bold themes to guide its work:
- City Care – A clean, safe, and welcoming city centre
- City Vibe – Inspirational events, culture, and campaigns that drive footfall and civic pride
- City Ambition – Partnerships, innovation, and investment to shape the city centre’s future
A major component of the plan is a proposed extension to the BID boundary, ensuring it covers key areas within the city centre to reflect the future neighbourhoods footprint of the city’s growth plan, enhancing connectivity and the visitor experience, and linking key sites – such as Castlegate and the Quays – with a vibrant city centre. The expansion will see Sheffield BID represent over 540 businesses in its third term.
Tony Stacey, Chair of Sheffield BID:
"This is a pivotal moment for Sheffield city centre. BID 3 is not just a continuation - it’s a bigger, bolder successor to everything we’ve achieved so far. With an updated boundary and a renewed focus on innovation, vibrancy, and care, we’re inviting businesses to back a plan that will deliver real value and lasting impact. I urge every eligible business to vote YES and help us shape the future of Sheffield."
Sheffield BID continues to work in close partnership with local organisations, cultural institutions, and city stakeholders to deliver high-impact initiatives. Signature events like Sheffield Bricktropolis, the Sheffield Christmas Trail, Dine Sheffield, Lunar Chinese New Year and The Fringe at Tramlines along with a host of creative placemaking projects and operational street support have helped enhance the city’s cultural identity and economic vitality.
Diane Jarvis, Chief Executive at Sheffield BID:
“We are pleased to present our plans for a third term which builds on a decade of delivery, helping to make Sheffield an even more welcoming, inspirational, and ambitious city. We are asking businesses to continue to support and endorse the work of Sheffield BID as we drive further positive change.
“Sheffield BID brings together proactive businesses, stakeholders, and partners who care about the place and want to make it better. This collective voice is stronger, more strategic, and more influential than any single business acting alone. It’s about shared ambition, and it enables progress that wouldn’t happen otherwise.”
Ballot papers will be issued by Sheffield City Council on 18 September, with voting open from 19 September to 16 October. The result will be announced on 17 October.
The new Business Plan can be downloaded here (.pdf):
