NEWPORT business owners are looking forward to the city centre being brought back to life after votes were cast in favour of creating a Business Improvement District (BID).

The Newport Now BID, which will see £1 million invested in the city centre over five years, has been 18 months in the making.

After the district is established, 450 businesses will begin paying an annual levy of 1.25 per cent of the rateable value of their unit to improve the city.

Zep Bellavia, managing partner of solicitors Harding Evans, said: “We’re happy to have supported the BID from the start and are delighted that it’s been successful.

“It’s a great initiative that will help Newport grow into the city we know it will become. I can’t wait to see the city thriving again.”

Cliff Hacker, of Nuthouse Hair Design, said: “I’m looking forward to bringing Newport back to its former glory. We need to get some wealth back in the city. Walking around Newport, it’s looking quite poor and I know with Admiral coming in, that’s brought some new energy back in the city.

“A group of us have been working hard for a couple of years, we’re trying to get things organised for Newport.”

The BID will look to improve safety by introducing a street ambassador scheme, tackle so-called ‘grot spots’, create a marketing campaign to bring visitors in and enhance gateways to the city.

Dan Smith, director of M4 Property Consultants, said: “I think it’s very positive. I think for me the whole point of the BID is to allow the businesses in the city centre to do things for themselves rather than rely on other people.

“Bringing 450 businesses together brings them a real, powerful voice and it gives them a quarter of a million pound budget each year.”

Managing director of independent financial advisors Kymin, Robin Hall, said: “I think it’s absolutely fantastic for the city.

“It’s already starting with Admiral and Friars Walk so I hope over the next few years we can attract people back in to the city by improving the image and getting the footfall.”

BID project manager Tom Evans said there is still lots of work to do before the BID goes live in April next year.

He said: “A new not-for-profit organisation will be established and registered with Companies House and work will begin on a programme of improvements to ensure that the BID can hit the ground running.”

The BID will last for five years before businesses will have to vote again on whether to keep the district in place.