Coleraine BID To Hold Relaunch Event Following Period of Uncertainty

Businesses across Coleraine town centre are being invited to attend the relaunch of Coleraine BID next Friday, as the organisation prepares to begin what it describes as a new chapter focused on collaboration, engagement and town centre development.

The relaunch event will take place on Friday, 22 May, at The Auditorium, Chronicle Press on Railway Road, beginning at 9.15am.

Organisers say the event will give levy payers the opportunity to meet the new BID board and team, hear about future plans for the town centre, and connect with other local businesses operating within Coleraine.

The relaunch follows a period of uncertainty surrounding the Business Improvement District, with leadership changes taking place since May 2025 and some levy payers publicly questioning the future direction of the BID term. The organisation has also faced criticism and negative coverage within local and regional media during that period.

Coleraine BID is understood to be the only Business Improvement District in the UK to formally relaunch in this way following a prolonged period of uncertainty surrounding its future direction and leadership.

Although the BID primarily represents levy-paying businesses located within the BID boundary, businesses outside the levy area have also been invited to attend. Leaflets promoting the event have been distributed more widely across the town in an effort to encourage greater collaboration and engagement within the wider business community.

Throughout the morning, attendees are expected to hear about upcoming initiatives, future projects and opportunities for businesses to become more involved as the BID moves forward under its new leadership structure.

Businesses from retail, hospitality, professional services and other sectors are being encouraged to attend and take part in discussions around the future direction of Coleraine town centre.

Refreshments will also be served during the event.

Business Improvement Districts operate through a levy paid by eligible businesses within a defined geographical area. Funding is typically used to support town centre initiatives, events, marketing activity, business support and projects aimed at improving footfall and economic activity.

The relaunch comes at a time when many town centres across the UK continue to face challenges linked to changing shopping habits, the growth of online retail and wider economic pressures.

Organisers say the renewed BID aims to strengthen collaboration among businesses while creating new opportunities to attract visitors and increase engagement within Coleraine town centre.