Swansea and Cardiff business improvement districts secure five-year extension after votes
Cardiff’s business improvement district is to expand into Cardiff Bay for the first time, bringing an additional £1 million in levy funding for projects that aim to bolster the capital’s appeal as a place to work, live and visit. The move comes after businesses voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new five-year term for FOR Cardiff, with 92 per cent in support and 97 per cent backing when measured by rateable value. The new mandate, which runs from December until November 2031, extends the BID’s borders beyond the city centre to encompass the waterfront area.
The expansion aligns with a major push to improve connectivity between the two parts of the city. Construction began in June 2026 on the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail, a new tramway from Cardiff Central Station to the Bay, with an expected completion time of approximately 28 months. The next phase is planned to reach Atlantic Wharf, where a 15,000-capacity indoor arena sits at the heart of a wider mixed-use regeneration project. That £250 million development is scheduled to open in late 2026 and is forecast to attract an estimated 1.5 million visitors each year, with the overall masterplan including new hotels, 2,000 homes, green spaces and cycling infrastructure. More than 1,000 jobs are expected to be created during construction.
FOR Cardiff, which was established in 2016, has already delivered a range of initiatives focused on improving the city environment, supporting business growth, enhancing safety and promoting Cardiff as a destination. It was the first BID in the UK to launch a dedicated ESG strategy, aligning with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, and has supported greener travel through Park and Ride schemes while installing more than 2,000 hanging baskets. The summer of 2025 saw a record-breaking series of live events, including over 30 major concerts, which generated a significant economic boost: city centre sales reached £44.1 million in July, hotel occupancy topped 90 per cent during headline weekends and some late bookings exceeded £500 per night. Tourism remains a cornerstone of Cardiff’s economic strength, supporting local businesses and jobs.
Carolyn Brownell, executive director of FOR Cardiff, said: “We are delighted that businesses have once again placed their trust in FOR Cardiff and have voted in a landmark result which is testament to the hard work of the team. This result reflects the value businesses see in a strong, collaborative voice for Cardiff and comes at a pivotal moment as we prepare to welcome Cardiff Bay into the BID area from December. This expansion presents a unique and fantastic opportunity to bring together the city centre and waterfront, creating an even stronger and more connected business community. We look forward to working with businesses across the capital to deliver ambitious projects and ensure Cardiff continues to thrive.”
Swansea secures fifth consecutive term
In Swansea, businesses also voted decisively to continue their BID for another five years. Of the 955 firms that took part in the ballot, 84.1 per cent voted in favour. Swansea BID, which was established in 2006 as the first BID in Wales and one of the earliest in the UK, has now been re-elected for a fifth consecutive term. It is accredited by British BIDs and holds compliance with The BID Foundation Industry Standards, reflecting a commitment to quality management.
The BID’s activities have included business support, marketing and promotion, networking opportunities, advocacy, and ensuring a clean and safe environment. Events and initiatives to drive footfall have contributed to a thriving visitor economy: tourism added approximately £700 million to the Swansea Bay economy in 2025, supporting over 5,500 jobs. Visitor numbers reached 4.6 million in the past year, with overnight stays rising. Major events such as IRONMAN 70.3, the Swansea Half Marathon and the Wales National Airshow have helped build a dynamic calendar that encourages repeat visits.
Regeneration across the city is substantial, with more than £1 billion being invested. The Copr Bay development, a £135 million project, has brought a 3,500-capacity live entertainment venue and conference centre. The Civic Centre is undergoing a £20 million redevelopment that includes plans for an aquarium, a lido and residential units, as part of a wider £750 million, 20-year partnership.
Andrew Douglas, Swansea BID manager, said: “To be re-elected for a fifth consecutive term is an incredible achievement and one that everyone involved with Swansea BID is immensely proud of. The fact that our business community has once again placed its trust in us is a real vote of confidence in everything we’ve achieved together over the past 20 years. I’d like to thank every business that took part in the ballot and everyone who has supported Swansea BID over the years. We never take that support for granted. We’re excited about what lies ahead. Swansea is a city with huge ambition and enormous potential, and over the next five years we’ll continue working with businesses, Swansea Council and our partners to make the city centre an even more vibrant, welcoming and successful destination. Our focus remains on delivering real value for our levy payers while helping ensure Swansea is a brilliant place to visit, work, shop and invest.”
Over the next five years, Swansea BID said it will continue to deliver a programme of business support, city centre promotion, events, marketing, safety initiatives and environmental improvements. Meanwhile, the Cardiff BID’s expanded remit comes as the first phase of Cardiff Crossrail progresses and the Atlantic Wharf arena prepares to open its doors in late 2026, cementing the Bay’s transformation into a hub of culture, commerce and community.
