Background to Possilpark BID

A BID provides a unique opportunity for local businesses across all sectors to continue to work together, invest collectively and undertake projects which can contribute positive to improving the economic viability of businesses in and around Saracen Street and its environs by securing investment in it.

Possilpark has experienced significant changes over recent years as is similar to many town centre areas throughout Scotland.  It has a consistent, high-ranking position in the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation which exacerbates day to day challenges for businesses. There was a sense that the town centre required a continued coordinated response from all business to address some of the issues affecting the area and to work on local improvements.  

Although the initial development of the BID was undertaken by Saracen Street Traders supported by ng homes, Possilpark BID operates as an independent unincorporated organisation.   The support of the Scottish Government, Scotland’s Towns Partnership and Glasgow City Council has been integral to this development.  

After consultations with businesses from a range of sectors, it became clear there was commonality in the problems that they had. There was a desire to see Possilpark prosper and there was a real appetite to embrace a new way forward and to make improvements.  It was recognised that the pandemic, whilst challenging, offered optimism with a reconnection to local services spurred on by the national ‘love local’ campaign.  

Following a successful ballot, the management and operation of the BID was established on 16/5/2022 and runs for a period of five years until 15/5/2027.  At the end of the 5-year period, the businesses will be given the choice of continuing the BID for a further five years. 

The initial BID was set up as ‘Remaking Saracen’.  This has been rebranded to ‘Positive Possil’ to recognise the wider area of operation within the Improvement District and to demonstrate the aspirations for positive change within the area.