Dundee's City Growth and Infrastructure Committee is set to consider the next actions towards creating a Business Improvement District (BID) for Dundee city centre.

A ballot of eligible firms is planned for February to March 2026. If backed by voters, the BID would run for an initial five-year term, beginning operations on 1 May 2026.

A BID is a business-led partnership within a defined area, funded by a levy to deliver projects and improvements that are additional to services already provided by the council.

Under the Dundee proposal, a 1.5% levy would be applied to the rateable value of around 380 eligible properties within the BID boundary, covering premises with a Non-Domestic Rateable Value of £25,000 and above.

Councillors will be asked to confirm that Dundee City Council will not use its right to veto the BID proposal document, and to commit the local authority to participate in the forthcoming ballot.

A further report is due in February, setting out the BID business plan and recommending a voting option.

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A steering group of interested businesses has been formed and has carried out extensive engagement with city centre stakeholders. Feedback has shaped a proposal focused on four priorities: Safer Streets, Cleaner, Vibrant and Empowered (representing city centre businesses through strong partnerships).

The committee will be told these priorities align with, and will help advance, the council's City Centre Strategic Investment Plan 2020–2050, which aims to stimulate growth through close collaboration between the council and the private sector. A detailed BID Business Plan will be issued with ballot papers at the end of January 2026.

Committee convener Councillor Steven Rome said: "The establishment of a BID could be a significant development in our vision to transform the city centre for the future." "I am impressed by the commitment and enthusiasm of the steering group who have put together a very strong case for a Dundee BID and what could be achieved. We have seen the success of other BIDs which have been established across Scotland and the benefits they have brought for local economies."

"There is a real shared desire to make Dundee a better place for everyone, and we must consider every tool at our disposal to make things happen."

Stuart McFarlane, Co-Chair Dundee BID and Store Manager, Primark, said: "Feedback from businesses over the past few months have helped us shape Dundee BID, in terms of our priorities for Dundee City Centre, our geography, and how Dundee BID will operate. Dundee BID will be by the businesses, for the businesses and will work hand-in-hand with key partners to help shape the future of Dundee City Centre" "There is an overwhelming support for Dundee BID and we are confident of a favourable outcome in the ballot early next year." "I am proud to be part of this movement and believe this is our chance to shape a city centre that reflects our ambition, energy, and pride."