Former Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce secretary Christina Pengelly is the new manager of the newly formed Christchurch Business Improvement District (BID).
Christina will oversee improvement projects within Christchurch including improving the town centre, street events and entertainment, marketing and promotion of the town and providing support to local businesses.
Christina said: “I am extremely pleased to be appointed Christchurch BID Manager. Christchurch has so much to offer, and I am excited to highlight its potential in terms of independent shops, national brands, hospitality and services.
“We want Christchurch businesses to thrive in challenging retail environments and deliver the best of Christchurch to residents and visitors.”
Lucy Filer, BID chair added: “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Christina as the next milestone in the BID process. The Board of Directors are all focused on supporting Christina in the delivery of a range of improvements for Christchurch which we are confident will take the town centre area to the next level.”
Councillor Phil Broadhead, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Development, Growth and Regeneration said: “BIDs play an important role in our towns and I’m delighted that Christina has already hit the ground running. We’ve been working closely together over the last few weeks to launch a joint work programme between the BID and BCP Council to help support businesses affected by the Bargates Road closure for the sewage works.
“This is a superb example already of how working together we can make real inroads into improving Christchurch for both businesses and residents. I’m personally really looking forward to what we can achieve together!”
BCP Council says it is proud to support Christina and is delighted to announce that she has already met with key BCP staff to support the delivery of priority campaign Cleaner, Greener, Safer.
This work will include an assessment of the environmental infrastructure and the working partnerships between BCP Council, Christchurch Town Parish Council and Christchurch BID to make the town Cleaner, Greener and Safer.
Street audits across the conurbation have already begun. An extensive asset capture and condition survey is required to inform maintenance needs, identify opportunities for service efficiencies and to help inform future litter strategies.
Councillor Nicola Greene, Cabinet Member for Council Priorities and Delivery, BCP Council said: “Our Cleaner, Greener, Safer campaign reflects the priority we place on pride and confidence in our local area which is why it is so important to be working with Christchurch BID at this exciting time.
“From deploying additional Community Safety Accredited Scheme (CSAS) officers, to tackling pollution, we’re working on the issues that matter most to our residents, visitors and businesses across the conurbation and I look forward to working with Christina in the development of key projects in Christchurch.”