BUSINESSES in Poole will soon receive detailed plans of an ambitious £1.6 million project to rejuvenate the town centre.

The Business Improvement District (BID) plans will be distributed to all voters on March 7, followed by an official notice of ballot and eventually postal ballot papers on March 31.

This will mark the start of a 28 day period when voters will decide whether or not to back the plans.

Businesses in central Poole have been consulted on the proposals - which include a five year investment of around £500,000 for marketing and events, the introduction of LED screens by the railway line and free Wi-Fi across the BID area.

An additional £550,000 investment, also proposed over five years, will be used to conduct a survey highlighting areas needing improvement, to finance work to fill empty shops and launch a loyalty scheme to encourage spending within the town centre.

Poole Town Centre Partnership (PTCP) board chairman Jonathan Sibbett said: "We have committed a great deal of time to extensive consultation to ensure the people of Poole have a business plan that reflects their needs and viewpoints.

"We hope that everyone in the proposed BID area will take the time to read the plan and then to cast their vote.

"If the BID ballot is positive we will have a total, secure budget of £1.6million over five years to invest in the town centre – this could revitalise our town and make for a vibrant future for Poole."

Dolphin Shopping Centre manager John Grinnell believes the BID could bring more investment to the town centre.

He added: "Our owners, Legal & General, are backing the BID, recognising that it’s a great way to get businesses and retailers of all sizes to get involved together to help shape the future of the town. If it’s successful, I really hope that it will encourage other businesses outside of the immediate BID area to want to contribute too as they’ll be able to see the positive impact."