BID director Stefan Gurney(front) and business representatives(l to r) Nick Bond from Visit Norwich, Steve Falvey of The Forum Trust, Stacey Rodgers and Jenny Bradfield from the Leeds Building Society and Dawn Brindle from the Maddermarket Theatre.

A new scheme which will raise £3m to be spent in the city centre will be officially launched tomorrow, with a pledge to give Norwich a shot in the arm.

Businesses voted yes for a Norwich Business Improvement District (BID) in July and it comes into effect from tomorrow.

The creation of the district – taking in the majority of Norwich city centre – will see millions raised over the next five years through an annual one per cent levy on businesses with a rateable value of more than £15,000 within the BID area.

Of the businesses who voted, 79pc by number and 91pc by rateable value voted yes, which means the district could be created.

A board – a cross section of people from businesses and charities that have a vested interest in properly representing the interests of BID levy payers – has been set up and offices at The Forum secured for team.

Stefan Gurney, Norwich BID director, said: “We go live from today and we already have some early quick wins.

“We’re adding value to The NORWICHRISTMAS campaign, with a television advert across the Anglia region to boost its profile and get people to the city, while work has started on a smartphone app.

“We are looking forward to seeing what we can deliver for Norwich.”

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