Business Improvement District Development Study - Merthyr Tydfil ...

Merthyr Tydfil Business Improvement District Development Study
Applying the feasibility matrix
In order to compare and contrast the different areas as objectively as
possible, we have applied The Means‟ feasibility matrix. This applies the
following tests:
Sustainability – Is the revenue generated from the levy in
proportion to (or in excess of) the revenue required to service the
area in question?
Viability – Can the levy be set at a reasonable level and still generate
adequate funds for the BID? (At this point it has not been possible to
estimate the cost of running a BID against, say, the square metreage
of each area.)
Marketability – What is the likelihood of winning a BID
referendum? The costs of marketing the BID and running the
referendum need to be in reasonable proportion to the eventual levy
outturn. There needs to be an adequate number of businesses which
will directly benefit from the BID. Broadly, it is assumed that shops,
restaurants, sports and leisure facilities, arts and culture facilities will
reap a greater reward in terms of increased business. Offices and
most other types of property will reap a lesser reward in terms of
increased business, but benefit in terms of greater employee and
client satisfaction.
Doability – Can BID services complement (or „join up‟ with) existing
services in such a way as to make a significant difference?
Considerations:
o Is there a „gateway‟ area which can be improved?
o Are there streets which can be improved?
o Is there a landmark visitor attraction which can be better
serviced?
o Is there a pressing social/environmental issue which can be
addressed?
Social Responsibility – Businesses can work in to deliver
social/educational programmes to the communities in which they are
located, particularly when there might be benefits in terms of reduced
crime and anti-social behaviour. This would give preference to areas
with a residential population, particularly one which suffers from
social exclusion.
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