From transforming public spaces to funding finishing touches; how Dressing the District is helping your business

Here at Colmore BID, we’re always looking to enhance the look and feel of our District to reinforce its reputation as a desirable location for businesses. A clean, well-looked-after area creates a positive first impression among visitors and potential investors, increasing footfall and boosting sales for our local retailers, restaurants, and other establishments. Working, playing, and living in an attractive and sustainable District also significantly boosts mental and physical well-being.

Over the past five years, we’ve delivered initiatives from deep cleaning to displaying public artwork to help make our District shine. Forming part of our BID4 Business Plan, we are committed to investing further in the District’s appearance from 2024 to 2029.

Sometimes the little things make a big difference, so in this blog, we will delve into some of our investments over the last five years and our plans moving forward.

Blooming beautiful greenery

Since the BID started in 2009 we have installed a variety of floral displays and enhancements, from hanging baskets to flower towers, to make our streets more attractive and to create a ‘greener feel’ to the urban surroundings. We’ve increased the number of flowers year on year as part of our public realm enhancement scheme and, for the last few years, have been fully responsible for designing and funding these enhancements across the District. We’re pledging to continue delivering our annual displays, further encouraging a sense of well-being and good mental health for our District’s workers.

Space for everyone

To transform the public spaces within the District, we have upgraded several areas over the last ten years, including Church St Square, Colmore Square, and Cornwall Street. Adding greenery and inspiring art, such as the Umbra by Wolfgang Buttress to our spaces has transformed them into the ideal locations for moments of reflection, relaxing with friends, and hosting small events. Results from our survey last year highlighted the want for more new public realm projects to encourage outdoor seating, which we’re looking to create with our BID4 plans by pursuing additional funding for public realm projects and working closely with partners like Birmingham City Council. 

Deborah Cadman, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, said: “Colmore BID is an important strategic and operational partner for Birmingham City Council in the city centre.We’ve worked together on everything from street cleaning to events to major public realm projects.”

An open-air gallery

Since 2010, we have managed several successful outdoor exhibitions in partnership with local and international photographers, artists, and creators to encourage passers-by to stop and reflect amongst the hustle and bustle of Birmingham’s city centre.

In previous years, we have worked with big names in the photography industry, with our collaborations varying from street photography to art photography, providing cultural moments of tranquillity. Furthermore, in 2021 we added a splash of colour to the walls of Livery Street with an 8ft high and 60ft wide art installation by E.L Thrush (Luke Davies) and Anna Davies.

As part of our arts and culture pledges, we will continue to invest in curating captivating public space exhibitions to transform the District into an open-air gallery showcasing our talented local artists’ work. This summer, we are launching our Colmore Art Walk, recognising the incredible artists and history linked to the Colmore area in an easy-to-complete route.

In 2016, we hosted the #NicklinUnseen photography exhibition, which marked the beginning of a longstanding partnership with BrumPic creator David Oram.  David sadly passed away in 2022 having had a significant impact on photography in the city.  To celebrate his life and legacy, the Outstanding Places Working Group is working with the team at BrumPic and IChooseBirmingham to curate an exhibition of images which will be displayed this September in Snow Hill Square. 

Alex Tross, Deputy Chair of Colmore BID, added: “The Colmore District is the heart of this wonderful city and being on the BID gives me the privilege of being able to help shape the look and feel of the city for the benefit of all those who live, work, play and visit here.”

Spick and span

In addition to cleaning services provided by Birmingham City Council, we employ a full-time cleaner who works exclusively in the District Monday to Friday. Our cleaner carries out general litter picking and removes stickers and graffiti on private and public land.

We also procure industrial cleaning services company, Ramora, to deliver a series of fortnightly deep cleans across the District. Every other weekend, Ramora deep clean our streets, ensuring your walk to work, a restaurant, or home on an evening is as clean as possible. Moving forward, we pledge to continue funding the regular deep cleans on top of over 2,000 hours of regular street cleaning a year. 

Flying the flag

Another way in which the BID brings a splash of colour to the area is through the flags that sit pride of place throughout our District. Our ‘Welcome to Colmore Business District’ flags can be seen all year round, promoting a sense of belonging for our residents and visitors. We also swap these flags to help promote our seasonal activities such as Colmore Food Festival and Christmas in Cathedral Square.

Birmingham’s festive cheer

At the height of festivities, we also extend our city dressing services to celebrations such as Christmas – turning the Colmore area into a quaint winter wonderland. By installing and fully funding all the Christmas trees and lights we add a touch of magic and create a warm and inviting atmosphere during the countdown to the big day.

Through annual floral displays, seasonal trails and flags, public space exhibitions, and more, we plan to continue to enhance the District’s aesthetic appeal, boost community engagement, and provide economic benefits for local businesses.

To find out more about our current projects, please visit here.

To read more about our BID4 Business Plan ambitions, please visit here.