22 May 2001

Times Square in New York could be a model for city centre renewal across Scotland according to a Dundee academic.

"Town centres can benefit from a BIDs approach" says John McCarthy of the University of Dundee's School of Town and Regional Planning. His research into the effectiveness of Business Improvement Districts - popularly known as BIDs -suggests a way to secure city centre renewal including crime reduction, bringing in new visitors, and attracting new business.

Indeed, Tony Blair recently announced that BIDs would be part of a new Labour Government's urban regeneration programme.

BIDS are an American idea and involve the setting of a voluntary tax among local businesses to create a fund in order to provide increased services and facilities in a particular area. There are over 400 BIDs across the USA. The most high profile is Times Square in New York where the local area has been transformed from a seedy neighbourhood into a thriving centre of shopping, eating and tourist activity.

Research being undertaken in the University of Dundee is examining the BID approach to local urban renewal as part of a broader study into the use of tax incentives for regenerating the physical, social and economic environs of town centres and other areas.

John McCarthy and Fiona Graham of the School of Town and Regional Planning have just returned from visiting a number of BIDs in Los Angeles and other taxed based in Chicago.

John McCarthy:"The measure has proved very popular in Los Angeles, including the Hollywood Entertainment District. The research would suggest that BIDS can bring new life to town centres, with important benefits to areas including reducing crime, bringing new visitors to the area, and attracting new business. The research also shows that although BIDs can work to regenerate the chances of depressed areas, unrealistic expectations should be avoided."/ends

Contact John McCarthy 01382 345240