Central city businesses vote in favour of special rate

A two-thirds majority of Hamilton’s central city businesses have voted in favour of the Council striking a targeted rate to be used for the promotion and advancement of the CBD.

The postal vote closed today with a 34 per cent turn out from an eligible voting pool of 996 voters.

The final vote saw 66.7 per cent in favour of the business district rate and 33.3 per cent against.

The next step in establishing the Business Improvement District rate is a final decision by Hamilton City Council. Under the Local Government Act it is the Council alone which can set a targeted rate.

Hamilton Mayor Bob Simcock says he is extremely pleased to see such strong support for the targeted rate.

“I believe this is a very clear message from retailers and the hospitality industry in the city heart that they want to play a major part in their own success. I will certainly be urging Council to support the creation of the targeted rate based on the strong poll result,” says Mayor Simcock.

The concept of creating a Business Improvement District, which receives all money raised from a BID rate, is operational in a number of other areas in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland.