BID’s achievements in 2019
Planters
In April 2019, we conducted refreshing of all planters in the Adopt-a-Planter scheme, adding new plants and providing some general maintenance, assessing and revisiting some of our plant list with more durable plants tailored to locations in Stratford Town.
Adopt a Planter scheme was rolled out in April 2018 when the first 7 businesses received a combination of evergreen, grasses and perennial plants, along with a gardening kit to water and maintain their planters.
The next session will be taking place in April 2020, lookout for more information on our website and newsletters.
Colourful crossings
The high impact pedestrian colourful crossings was a joint initiative between Stratford Original BID and Newham Council. There are four crossings across Stratford Town Center which can be found by Meridian Square, Theatre Square, on the Broadway and the Grove by the Library.
Free Cycle Events
Throughout summer 2019 we successfully organised and conducted three cycling events in Stratford Town Centre. The main idea was to encourage Stratford to get on two wheels and celebrate the new infrastructure - the new cycling lanes.
The event offered bikes’ repair and register, cycle route advice and safety tips. Additionally, participants could pedal to blend a tasty smoothie thanks to invited Smoothie Bikes. The pedal-powered passenger and cargo service Pedal Me gave visitors amazing rides across the town centre.
The events were organised in partnership with Newham Cyclists, LB Newham and Stratford & West Ham Community Neighbourhood.
March 2020 marked the end of the BIDs first term. From 1st October to 31st October 2019, eligible local businesses had the chance to express their support for another five years in the renewal ballot voting.
Members voted a resounding yes to Stratford Original continuing to work for Stratford.
The yes vote means that local businesses have chosen to move Stratford forward and invest in projects to improve the town centre until 2025. The London Borough of Newham declared the successful result on Friday 1 November 2019. With a turnout of 53%, 85% of votes were in favour of the continuation of Stratford Original BID and 88% in favour by rateable value.
On Thursday, the 28th November Stratford saw Theatre Square transforming into Winter Wonderland: games and crafts for children, Christmas songs by Stratford East Singers choir, hot chocolate and popcorn, Father Christmas and the main attraction of the night huge light up birds who captivated the attention of the youngest and oldest of the crowd.
The event was visited by the members of Newham Council, other local businesses and local residents. We hope everyone enjoyed the event and had a good time with their friends and families!
Our Christmas What’s on Guide contained the listing of events and entertainment taking place around Stratford Town Centre during the festive season.
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