Sandyford BID Renewal Proposal

Report of Submissions on the Proposed Renewal of Business Improvement District Scheme (B.I.D.) for Sandyford Business District

 

Local Government Act 2001 as amended by the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006, S.129E (6)

 

At the County Council meeting on the 14th November, 2016, the members agreed by resolution to establish a Business Improvement District scheme for the Sandyford Business District.  The scheme to operate for a period of 5 years from the 1st January 2017.  The scheme will end on the 31st December, 2021.

 

By email dated 23rd April, 2021, from Sandyford BID CLG t/a Sandyford Business District (the renewal Proponent), Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council was requested, in accordance with the provisions of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006, to commence the process for the renewal of the Business Improvement District scheme for Sandyford Business District which was submitted. The Executive, having first satisfied itself that the proposed renewal scheme met all the requirements as set out in the legislation, gave public notice of the proposed scheme by way of public advertisement in the Irish Times on 5th May, 2021, inviting submissions from the public regarding the proposed renewal of the scheme.

 

The proposal was available for public inspection and purchase from the 5th May to the 10th June in the Council Offices.  The renewal proposal was also available on the Council’s website and is available to view here..  The closing date for receipt of submissions was 5 p.m. on the 10th June, 2021.

 

By the deadline 46 submissions were received. Of these, 39 submissions supported the renewal of the scheme, 5 gave no indication, 2 submissions were not in favour of the renewal.   A synopsis of the submissions is shown in the appendix.

 

All submissions were made available to the proponent of the B.I.D. renewal as required by Section 129E(5) Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006.  Sandyford BID CLG t/a Sandyford Business District is obliged to consider the submissions before reverting to the local authority to confirm or withdraw the request to hold a plebiscite. 

 

The Local Government Act 2001 as amended by the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006, S129E (6) requires that a report be prepared on the submissions made and that a copy of the report be furnished to the members.

 

The Executive has considered the submissions.  Included is a synopsis of the comments.  Some of the submissions are similar and some while from the same company were from different individuals in the company.

 

Sandyford BID CLG t/a Sandyford Business District made a presentation on the renewal to the Dundrum Area Committee (Housing, Economic Development, Community and Cultural Development, Planning & Infrastructure and Climate Change Business) on the 24th May, 2021.
 

Executive Response:

Having considered the submissions received, the Executive is not of the view that the B.I.D. renewal proposal is inconsistent with the interests of the local community.

 

Next Steps:

The B.I.D. renewal proponent may, not sooner than 60 days after the closing date for public submissions, confirm, in writing, the original request to proceed to a ratepayer plebiscite, in accordance with section 129F(2) of the Local Government (Business Improvement Districts) Act 2006.

 

A plebiscite to determine the level of support for the proposal among ratepayers of rateable property in the proposed Business Improvement District will then be arranged.

 

If a majority of the ratepayers who vote, are in favour of the implementation of a B.I.D. renewal scheme, a further report will be presented to the elected members, at which time the elected members will be asked to agree a resolution in respect of the B.I.D. renewal scheme.

 

The Executive proposes that the renewal scheme proceed to a plebiscite, subject to the receipt of a request from the B.I.D. renewal proponent to that effect.

 

Appendix:

SYNOPIS OF SUBMISSIONS

The submissions which expressed support for the proposal made the following comments:

 

• Think this should be renewed. I live nearby and work in Sandyford, feel like the scheme has made lots of little improvements around Sandyford. More to do but a great start.

 

• We wish to write in support of the renewal of the Sandyford Business District BID scheme for a second term.  Having had a business in the district since 1990,  it is clear the BID company has made a significant difference in its first term particularly in terms of maintenance of the environment,  additional planting and planters, new way-finding and road signage together with the organisation of numerous events for both the corporate sector and the residential community. The BID company also provides a strong voice for the district representing the four business parks and the numerous submissions made in relation to public transport, mobility, commercial rates etc. ensures the 1,000 businesses are well represented. We strongly support the renewal of the BID scheme for a second term.

 

• Our company relocated to Sandyford Business Park in 2004 to be more accessible to our primary customer base. From a business growth and support perspective we have witnessed the tremendous positive effect of SBID over the past four years. As is evidenced from their website, they have organised a continuous range of activities that have helped the Sandyford Business District to remain the preferred location of choice for our business and a more engaging location for employees and customers alike to live, work, shop and socialise. In my opinion we need a strong and focused SBID to continue to build on the progress to date, during its second term from 2022 to 2027.

 

• I have had a business in Sandyford Business District for over a decade. I was involved with the SBDA prior to helping form the CLG, Sandyford Business District.  I am very much in favour of the BID getting a second term. The work of the company is of great benefit to the district. The BID company works successfully to attract inward investment, delivers on the environment and place-making and acts as a single strong voice when representing the district to national and local government.

 

• We wish to confirm our full support for the BID renewal as it helps coordinate many interested parties, gives a voice and represents the area with all local stakeholders in continually improving the Sandyford area both for residents and local business.

 

• I would like to strongly support the renewal of the Sandyford Business Improvement District (BID) Scheme for the next period 2022-2026.
The Sandyford BID has been instrumental in delivering on the vision for Sandyford of being a World Class Business District, a vibrant community and a location to work, live and play. Other initiatives like the Innovation Week, Sandyford Business District Awards, Smart Sandyford, Mobility Infrastructure, Public Realm and Place-making have transformed the image and identity of the District. There is now an urgent need to build on this success with another BID Scheme to achieve a Sustainable Mixed Use District where there is a strategic approach to land use which provides planning flexibility to facilitate continued growth in employment, increased living accommodation and support amenities.

 

• The Sandyford BID has been a tremendous asset to the district over its first term and we fully support a renewal of its mandate. The BID company represents the only forum elected to represent Businesses in the district. It represents a body to improve and represent the district to the various stakeholders. It also provides a valuable interface with DLRCoCo. Its’ lobbying activities seek to represent business interests to ensure that Sandyford continues to be a place for people to do business, live and play. Significant contributions have been made in:
- Business networks, communication and innovation through the sharing of ideas and the excellent events run by the district.
- The public realm has seen significant improvements through maintaining the cleanliness of the district public areas, planting, and nature area.
- Way-finding in the district is vastly improved through signage etc.
- The district presents a clear identity to the district, presenting clear rationale for new businesses to set up in the district. Much work remains to be done for example a dedicated innovation hub and a shared-work space to enable the district to become a key location for innovation and early stage businesses.

 

• We support the renewal of the Sandyford Business District BID scheme for the following reasons: We have invested in the past significant resources in office space for the district. We have invested in the district for employee accommodation and events. We have strategic partners based in the district. We have many members of our technology ecosystem in the district especially in the developer community. We are a strong supporter of smart and sustainable communities and cities and support the Smart Sandyford initiatives in the district. We believe that the district is well based to avail of disruptions in mobility, energy, information technology, artificial intelligence, food and materials in the coming decade.
We appreciate the quality of speakers and organization of the Sandyford Innovation Week and the topics covered. We support the many initiatives in place-making and environmental and ecological improvement which makes the district a better place to live and work.
We approve the transformation of the district from an industrial park to a forward looking business and innovation campus. We would support the implementation of an innovation campus in the technology cluster to prepare for the many opportunities anticipated in this decade.

 

• We have found working with SBID to be very constructive over a number of years. In particular works to improve the general environs and to promote the district have been very positive.

 

• Since the BID scheme came into being I have noticed a huge change for the better within the Business Estate.  I have looked into the proposal for the renewal of the BID scheme and am particularly impressed by the environmental issues proposed if the renewal is successful.  I am strongly in support of a renewal if the existing improvements are anything to go by and wish Sandyford BID every success in this regard.

 

• I am very anxious to see a renewal of the BID proposal.  The BID Company has done fantastic work over the past four years and has made tremendous strides in creating a vibrant business community and network in the district.  The Company has also served as a very useful and effective lobbying platform for the business community and this has been conveyed to me by many business owners in the district.  The BID Company has also done a huge amount of work in improving the appearance of the district and so much more can be done with a second scheme as much of the important groundwork for future projects and for developing existing projects has already been done.

 

• The first term has demonstrated that the BID model works for everyone - the synergy between the Council and SBD has delivered visible improvements across the district, including place-making, environmental, Smart and physical enhancements as well as an impressive program of business supports and networking events. A second term is critical to ensure that these foundations can be built upon.

 

• I would like to strongly support the renewal of the Sandyford Business District BID Scheme.  SBID has greatly improved the area and has given all of the local businesses, both small and large, an opportunity to input into improving our environment. I found the breakfast meetings very informative and relevant and also a great opportunity to build up a network in the area. It has been a great success.

 

• We are happy to support the proposed renewal of the BID scheme as will feel it has been a successful endeavour and it fulfilled the criteria as previously set out.  It has brought the business community together with a shared vision and implemented a successful strategy of building the blocks both in doing business and living in the community.  It has been a recipe for success and a great insight into how collaboration does work. We are therefore happy to endorse.

 

• I fully support the renewal of the Sandyford Business Improvement District (BID) scheme.

 

• I am writing to voice my strong support for the renewal of the Sandyford BIDS scheme for a second term.  I think it is vital that the B.I.D scheme is renewed for a further 5 year term. The Sandyford BID CLG has been very successful to date in working alongside DLRCC in improving the Sandyford and Stillorgan Business Districts for occupiers and residents alike. The Scheme needs to be extended in order to continue to implement positive change for the area.

 

• I think the BID has been a great force for good in the area. Has helped to improve relations with DLR and fostered more connectivity and networking within the Sandyford area. I would be happy to see it continue for another 5 years. There are ambitious plans to make more improvements to the area in the next 5 years. The BID is now connected to Smart Dublin and other organisations and is co-operating on projects with these bodies. This is increasing our connectivity and networking beyond Sandyford.

 

• We strongly support this proposal to continue Sandyford BID for a further 5 years. With the challenges of the past year dealing with COVID restrictions it’s even more important to support local businesses as a community and develop the area for a better workplace/lifestyle environment. Planning new cycle-ways and the proposed environmental improvements will contribute to the overall plan to achieve a low carbon district.

 

• All of the team greatly appreciate the work carried out during the first five years of the Sandyford BID. The improvements made to the district are there for all to see.  We strongly support the renewal of the scheme for the next five years so that further hard work to develop initiatives such as an innovation campus and a business start-up /incubator hub can be carried out. In addition, we look forward to continuous improvements being made in areas such as the local environment and recreational activity with the renewal of the B.I.D.  We share and endorse the ambition of making Sandyford an even better place to work, live and play.

 

• I fully support the renewal of the B.I.D scheme for a second term 2022-2027.  This will further build on the great work that has been done and at the very time that all our efforts and supports should be to promote local businesses and employment.  The renewal is key to continuing and improving on the job that was started to continue to attract people to the area to work.

 

• The value that an organisation like the BID company brings to the Sandyford business district is immense.  From putting the district on the map globally, to connecting small SME's to global giants.  The sense of community that the Sandyford BID company has created is brilliant for small business and residences in the area.  A second term will see them really develop.

 

• Sandyford Business District for my business § Represents all the businesses in the four business parks providing a strong, unified voice to campaign on commercial rates, government budget, public transport, improvements to public realm and infrastructure§ Looks after the environment and has planted numerous herbaceous borders, installed insect hotels, carries out weekly litter-picking and generally maintains the area.§ Organised over 70 events – signature ones being the Annual Innovation Forum, Webinar Series, Business District Awards, Wellness Week and the annual Winter Festival.§ Installed new signage throughout the district including 85 road signs and  new map-boards.§ Created a website for the district which not only provides valuable information and updates on new and events but also has a Business Directory exclusively of companies in the four business parks.§ Created the ‘Spend in Sandyford’ campaign and has a weekly Spotlight feature on businesses in SBD.

 

• All good so far.....why not give it another go?

 

• § Represents all the businesses in the four business parks providing a strong, unified voice to campaign on commercial rates, government budget, public transport, improvements to public realm and infrastructure
§ Looks after the environment and has planted numerous herbaceous borders, installed insect hotels, carries out weekly litter-picking and generally maintains the area.§ Organised over 70 events – signature ones being the Annual Innovation Forum, Webinar Series, Business District Awards, Wellness Week and the annual Winter Festival.
§ Installed new signage throughout the district including 85 road signs and 7 new map-boards.§ Created a website for the district which not only provides valuable information and updates on new and events but also has a Business Directory exclusively of companies in the four business parks.
§ Created the ‘Spend in Sandyford’ campaign and has a weekly Spotlight feature on businesses in SBD.

 

• I would fully endorse the extension/renewal of the scheme.  The SBID- DLR relationship has helped enormously in making the area a vibrant, positive place to work.

 

• I am in favour of the renewal of the Sandyford BID scheme.  Over the past 5 years I have seen the significant contribution that the BID company has made to the area, including landscaping, providing a voice for the businesses in the Sandyford Business District, hosting many successful events which provide an opportunity for local businesses to connect and promote their services, and foster a real sense of community within the District.  I am confident that the BID company can build on the experience and successes of the last five years to continue to deliver, and improve on, these contributions into a second 5-year term and beyond.

 

• I definitely support the renewal of B.I.D in Sandyford. I feel this benefits all those living/working in the area and is extremely important. We can already see the good work they have done coming to life - long may it continue.

 

• With the recent challenges, all businesses have had to face over the past 18 months and we are potentially heading into a very uncertain period. Having such a group to work with and help assist each other is vital. So much time and hard work has been put into SBD by some fantastic people and vital work has really helped our area and district both for business owners and to support and create vital jobs for the local community. Renewing is vital for all our futures.

 

• I think the Sandyford Business District do great work for the business park and I would support the renewal of the BID scheme. They have done great work to date to benefit not only the businesses in the district but the wider community and environment. They provide a forum for businesses to interact with each other and advocate for the business park. The greatly enhance the experience of working in the business district.

 

• Represents all the businesses in the four business parks providing a strong, unified voice to campaign on commercial rates, government budget, public transport, improvements to public realm and infrastructure. Looks after the environment and has planted numerous herbaceous borders, installed insect hotels, carries out weekly litter-picking and generally maintains the area. Organised over 70 events – signature ones being the Annual Innovation Forum, Webinar Series, Business District Awards, Wellness Week and the annual Winter Festival. Installed new signage throughout the district including 85 road signs and 7 new map-boards.  Attracting new business to ensure the future of the business parks, e.g. the ‘Spend in Sandyford’ campaign and has a weekly Spotlight feature on businesses in SBD.  Creating a better sense of community in the area.

 

• The BID scheme should be renewed for a number of reasons which I have outlined below. § Sandyford Business District SBD is a strong voice for all the businesses in the District. It campaigns on behalf of the businesses and residents on commercial rates, public transport and place-making improvements, and budget submissions § SBD maintains the District, making it an attractive place to work, live and visit. It has installed insect hotels and many planters. It has planted many flowers and plants and arranges for litter picking weekly to keep the District tidy.
§ SBD organises events, webinars, Wellness week, Winter Festival, Santa and competitions for the Children, complimentary Taxis at Christmas, Innovation Forum, Business Awards, Wellness Week to name but a few.
§ SBD recently installed new modern signage throughout the district
§ SBD has an active website exclusively for the district with information and updates on news and events and a Business Directory of companies in the four business parks. § SBD sends weekly emails and social media posts to the businesses and residents in the District with news, updates, competitions etc. § SBD created the ‘Spend in Sandyford’ campaign, the weekly Spotlight on Sandyford Business feature and recently a directory with mini profiles of every restaurant and Café in the District as they re-open this week.

 

• I am writing to you regarding the renewal of the Sandyford Business Improvement Scheme.  For the past 20 years I have worked as both an employee and a business owner in Sandyford Business District, during which time the District has undergone considerable change. While the majority of the changes have been welcomed, there are areas that require on-going investment to ensure that development, be it commercial, residential or infrastructural is sustainable and meets the growing demands of the stakeholders in Sandyford Business District. Critical to the success of Sandyford Business District during the last four and a half years has been the Sandyford BID company. The Sandyford BID company is an essential stakeholder in promotion, development, creation of employment, community and sustainability in the District.  For the reasons outlined above, I am strongly in favour of a second five year term for the Sandyford BID company.

 

• Sandyford BID has made great progress to-date and a renewal of the scheme would be of huge benefit to the area and its residents (residential and commercial).

 

• I welcome the renewal of the Sandyford BID as there have been both visual and measurable improvements to the area. We need to maintain Sandyford as one of Ireland's premier location for business investment, creating jobs and wealth for the Dun Laoghaire Rathdown area. I am particularly encouraged that the BID also focuses on the residential needs and the goal of creating a vibrant "live and work" environment.

 

• Having a number of clients in the Sandyford district I am a regular visitor and have to remark at the positive impact the Sandyford B.I.D scheme has had. All of my clients proudly acknowledge what a great place it is to base their businesses, and further compliment the sense of community that has developed in the last few years.  My visits have seen great strides in the sense of place, the calibre of development and the attraction of new faces.  The initiatives undertaken over the past 5 years have been quite impressive, and progressive, with the best interests of businesses, residents and visitors at the core - I can only but imagine how a renewed B.I.D. will galvanise what is an already impressive score sheet to date.

 

• I believe that the Sandyford BID should be renewed as it works to represent and advocate for the interests of business development and for the employees who work here on a daily basis to make this district an attractive and sustainable place to work.  As someone who lives locally and works in the district I strongly believe that the Sandyford BID is essential to the future development of the district and to ensuring its continuing success.

 

• I believe the Sandyford B.I.D. Scheme has been immensely beneficial to the Sandyford Business District, its’ resident businesses, employees and residents. There have been significant infrastructure, facility and reputational improvements delivered by the B.I.D. Over the past 5 years and I would be a strong supporter for its’ renewal for another 5 year term.

 

• SBD have provided very helpful tips and newsletters to keep staff members fully informed during COVID pandemic. Also provided good advice and open areas for wellbeing and positive mental health.

The two submissions which did not support the renewal proposal made the following comments:

 

• I wanted to highlight our concerns at the Proposed Renewal of Sandyford Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) Scheme. Our family business has operated in Sandyford Industrial Estate for over 30 years now. The industrial estate has changed dramatically over this time. We are very concerned by the renewal of this scheme, paying rates in these difficult times is already challenging for small businesses and to impose these additional charges is unfair on small businesses. We have seen no direct benefit for small manufacturing/distribution business such as ourselves. In fact we feel that the scheme is more focused on office and retail than businesses such as ours. I think it's extremely unfair to enforce this contribution on businesses. If a group of businesses in the estate want to continue their endeavours on a voluntary basis that's understandable but please don't enforce this scheme on everyone.

 

• I object to renewal of Sandyford BID - Total Lack of communications  , non to rare implementation of new initiatives , inability to communicate with its members to Identify their needs or deal with their concerns are my main reasons.They failed to implement any initiatives during the crisis to help the businesses in a meaningful manner.  In its current format and leadership they have no place in Sandyford.  Unfortunately Sandyford B.I.D. is only active in its name and nothing else.

 

Of the five submissions which did not indicate support for or against the renewal proposal, one made no comment, four made the following comments:

 

• Make the area more inviting for pedestrians and cyclists. Install segregated cycle lanes with high quality safe junctions. No painted cycle lanes. Improve pedestrian realm by installing zebra crossings and continuous footpaths across minor road junctions in order to reinforce pedestrian priority at junctions.

 

• There is a serious lack of green space in the Sandyford BID.

 

• How about zoning Leopardstown Race Course residential. A very underused space.

 

• I wish to propose the following: - A dog run. In recent time a lot of residents have gotten dogs. There are no real green spaces in the area, the only ones are the Naomh Olaf CLG and the Racecourse. The latter is private grounds and not suitable for dogs and the GAA club is an extremely busy area which the community uses profusely.  I have seen upwards of 30 dogs at the weekend when the club wasn't operating, showing a need for a dedicated space. Now that the club has taken activities back up, the pitches and adjacent park are in use for training purposes, not leaving much space for individual users and even less for dogs. The nearby playground is not an ideal space for dogs to be around either. In addition the grounds are not off-lead and a dedicated such area would be hugely beneficial. - a Skate Park. There is a huge surge in roller skating, roller blading, skateboarding scooters and bikes due to the pandemic as it is an outside activity and sport that young people and teenagers alike are engaging in. The nearest skate park is Monkstown, which is a pay-in facility. There is no similar place in Sandyford but I have seen so many kids and teens skating around St. Raphaela's, park by the GAA grounds and generally around the Stillorgan+Sandyford Luas stops and Salesforce office. I believe there is a need for an area that gives young people and teens a place to engage with each other and in a sport/physical activity, all of which is lacking and hugely important in a young person's development. The Le Fanu Skate park in Ballyfermot has been a huge success, everyone to whom I have spoken there is thrilled with the addition and loves being able to bring their children/siblings and themselves over. The community it fosters is one of solidarity and friendship and organically brings people together.