Christchurch Business Improvement District (BID) has announced the appointment of its first BID Manager.

Christina Pengelly brings a wealth of town centre experience to the role as well as a strong business acumen.

She was previously the Operations Manager at Poole BID and Secretary to the Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce.

Christina, who will support key improvement projects for Christchurch, has also formerly worked as a Project Manager in several banking roles.

Her appointment follows the result of the Christchurch BID ballot in October.

A total of 78 per cent of levy payers voting in the ballot said ‘yes’ to the BID.

Supporters, as well as BCP Council’s Cllr Philip Broadhead (third left), are pictured celebrating the ballot result.

Christina will now play a key role in projects including:

• A number of new and ongoing measures to improve the appearance of the town centre
• New town centre events and street entertainment
• Marketing & promotion of the town
• Support to businesses in Christchurch

Christina said: “I am extremely pleased to be appointed Christchurch BID Manager.

“Christchurch has so much to offer and I am excited to highlight its potential in terms of independent shops, national brands, hospitality and services.

“We want Christchurch businesses to thrive in challenging retail environments and deliver the best of Christchurch to residents and visitors.”

Lucy Filer, Chair of the BID, added: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Christina as the next milestone in the BID process.

“The Board of Directors are all focused on supporting Christina in the delivery of a range of improvements for Christchurch which we are confident will take the town centre area to the next level.”

A BID is funded by businesses voting to pay a small proportion of their business rateable value on a package of improvements.

The money is ring-fenced for use only in the BID area.

The Christchurch BID area of approximately 270 businesses is expected to generate about £130,000 per year,.

This is expected to be supplemented by contributions from local businesses outside the town centre, as well as other funding sources.

It’s proposed that the BID will initially operate for five years, meaning that approximately £650,000 of improvements will be generated for the town.

Further details regarding Christchurch BID can be found by clicking here.