PLANS to introduce an additional business tax in Christchurch to invest in projects and initiatives are being explored.

Talks have been held with around 100 businesses in the town on proposals for a BID (business improvement district).

Christchurch Borough Council recently agreed to invest £5,000 towards the first step in developing the BID for the town centre.

The project is being developed alongside Christchurch chamber of trade and commerce, as well as high street businesses.

The Daily Echo has reported on several store closures in the town centre this year, including New Look and Edgar & Scott.

However, Gareth Bowden, president of Christchurch chamber of trade & commerce, said the overall number of empty units had not really changed in recent years.

He said the real challenge facing the town was to ensure there was sufficient diversity in shops with high rents and rates to attract footfall.

Mr Bowden said: “The idea behind the bid is a good one We are still in talks with local businesses to find out who is behind it and who isn’t.

“The next step would be to carry out a feasibility study for it.

“I know there has been a lot of negativity about the town centre, but if you do a walk of Christchurch the number of empty shops hasn’t really altered over the last few years.

“There is possibly not enough diversity in the shops.

“That is what we need to look at and how the council can attract some of the bigger players to add to the retail mix.

“Businesses rates and rents are high in the town, which does make it even more challenging.”

Around two years ago the Christchurch and East Dorset councils’ partnership appointed an additional economic development officer to focus on supporting town centres and business owners.

A council spokesperson told the Daily Echo a project is currently underway to examine the feasibility of temporary retail installations to make effective use of empty units, while the building’s owners look to secure more long term occupiers.