BUSINESS leaders came together to launch plans to help shape the future of Reading.

Reading UK, along with other stakeholders, welcomed plans for two proposed Business Improvement Districts (BIDs).

A BID is an area which has a mandate to create extra services in addition to those already provided by authorities, to maximise the experience for businesses, shoppers and workers.

The renewal of the Reading Central BID and new Abbey Quarter BID would provide vital investment to the town.

Since it was first introduced in 2006, the Reading Central BID has been renewed three times and provided more than £2m funding.

Money has been put towards a wide range of projects and services, including Christmas events, cultural programmes and police community support officers.

Adam Jacobs, chair of Reading UK, said: “For the existing BID to continue to deliver the great benefits of the past 12 years, businesses must vote in favour of the proposal.

"Reading town centre is among the busiest in the south, prospering despite difficult trading times. The BID has been a central force in supporting that economic success.

"It is vital that we continue to invest in services that will maintain this pre-eminent position.”

The proposal for the 2019-24 BID aims at making the town centre more attractive and secure for shoppers.

Both BIDs will be voted on by businesses located in the two relevant areas of the town centre, with the voting period concluding on February 19.

The new Abbey Quarter BID includes proposals for many new office buildings, in the hope of transforming the area into a 'world-class' destination for businesses.

Bill Gornall King, president of Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce, added: “With the reopening of our historic Reading Abbey and plans being discussed to revitalise Reading Prison, now is a unique opportunity for all of us in the Abbey Quarter to come together, to build on these positives and to position ourselves as one of the pre-eminent business locations in the south.

"I urge colleagues in this historic area to engage with the proposal and explore the possibilities the proposed Abbey Quarter Commercial District can offer to all of our businesses, our staff and visitors.”

If approved, the new BIDs would start from April 2019 and operate for five years.