DESTINATION Colchester has backed an ambitious plan to rejuvenate town centre trade.

Our Colchester is working on a scheme to make Colchester a Business Improvement District.

The Bid could see public spaces regenerated and businesses working together to attract shoppers.

Now Destination Colchester, an independent group launched in 2008 following a previous unsuccessful Bid proposal, has thrown its weight behind the new efforts.

The group, which is officially recognised by Visit England and the Arts Council, had a hand in setting up Colchester in Bloom and fundraising for the Roman Circus Centre.

Destination Colchester’s members include most of the area’s visitor attractions and venues, together with several independent businesses.

Simon Taylor, who chaired the Colchester Retail Association at the time of the 2007 Bid, said: “After many years of attempts to bring all Colchester town centre interest together, I’m pleased to be able to say I can support this initiative.

“What has been proposed is more flexible than last time, making it a golden opportunity to deliver what Colchester needs to achieve its potential as a leading retail and leisure destination.”

A Bid would see firms join forces and pay a levy to make the town centre more appealing to businesses and to shoppers.

Among the proposals put forward include offering to pay for shoppers’ parking and organising town centre events.

For the plans to be given the green light, at least half of businesses, by raw turnout and by rateable value, must back the plans.

This so-called dual mechanism is in place to make sure the interests of both large and small businesses are protected.

If a ballot is successful, a levy is mandatory for all eligible businesses for five years.

It is not yet clear how much each business would have pay into the pot.

During the five-year life, Bid bosses may opt to hold a renewal ballot to extend the project.

Destination Colchester is pushing for improvements to the town including prompt repair and replacement of missing or broken pavement slabs, discouraging begging and anti-social behaviour and introducing art to improve the aesthetic of empty shops.

Alice Charrington, who owns Tymperleys tea room and chairs Trinity Traders, said: “A well managed and co-ordinated Colchester that engages with and highlights the amazing independent businesses in the town is a great goal to be working towards.”