Businesses in Rye are to vote on proposals which could see them paying for town centre upgrades and tourist promotion. A ballot on a Business Improvement District (BID) will run from 13 January until 12 February 2026.
Over £90,000 could be raised annually by fees levied on around 290 Rye shops, pubs, restaurants and businesses in proposals which have proved controversial and divisive.
The team behind the BID, made up of representatives from local companies and both Rye Town Council and Rye Chamber of Commerce, say the money raised would be used for redeveloping the Station Approach toilets, better signage, enhancing the area near the Strand, events, gull proof bins, promoting the town to potential visitors and a year round tourist information service.
Finding a sustainable solution to Rye’s Christmas lights is also in the proposals. A recent campaign by town centre businesses and local people raised £30,000 to install this year’s decorations after previous plans fell through.
Consultation has been taking place over the last year to refine the proposals which are described as focussed on addressing Rye’s ageing infrastructure and attracting year-round visitors.
The charges qualifying businesses would be made to pay over five years, if the plans go ahead, are based on each firm’s rateable value. The BID team says 80% of businesses would be charged under £1 each day, with 50% paying less that 50p each day and a number of smaller businesses exempt.
The proposals have already created a divided high street with some businesses saying the BID is the only way to improve Rye town centre in the face of local government cutbacks. Opponents say the BID is unnecessary, another financial commitment in a tough economic climate, and a tax they will be forced to pay even if they disagree.
You can read more on arguments for and against the BID in this Rye News article.
The ballot will be a confidential and independently run postal ballot. The result will be announced on 13 February and if successful the BID will commence in April 2026.
Matt Breckon, managing director of Kino, has been appointed chair of the Rye BID Task
Group. He said it had listened to Rye businesses and made what he described as meaningful changes to the original proposals. “The BID represents a significant opportunity to secure dedicated investment for Rye, support our visitor economy, and deliver tangible benefits for both businesses and residents. The upcoming ballot gives businesses the chance to decide whether this is the right step for the town’s future.”
You can find more about the proposals at www.ryebid.co.uk
Image Credits: Sue Forman , Rye BID .