The Rethinking Parks Replication Award is seeking organisations and partnerships who are well placed to replicate and run some of the most promising and innovative operating models for parks. The PaddingtonNow Business Improvement District is one of a number of examples of promising models to build on and adapt.

Since being established in 2005, the PaddingtonNow BID has played a key part in Paddington’s renaissance as a business destination. In particular, their planting and creation of new pavements has made the area more attractive, dedicated team have made the area safer, and the benefits of their marketing has been noticeable by local businesses, including Paddington’s first ever Christmas lights.

We aim to improve Paddington for everyone who works, lives or visits here

PaddingtonNow

The BID has played a role in making Paddington more attractive in many ways, and often this is linked to parks and open spaces. Since the BID’s inception, a number of schemes have been rolled out, which include: improvements to Norfolk Square Gardens, including summer deckchairs and a ping pong table, as well as the complete renovation of Talbot Square. These efforts in improving the local landscape were recognised by London in Bloom as the BID won the Silver Gilt.

PaddingtonNow also monitor the area on a regular basis, ensuring the relevant authorities are alerted when environmental issues arise, and continually seek new opportunities to improve the look and feel of Paddington.

The BID’s philosophy is that the people who spend time setting up, growing and developing their businesses in the area, in addition to those living there, give Paddington its unique character. Their aim is to highlight the places, characters, venues and events that surround them. To help raise the profile and enhance people’s enjoyment of the area, they look to create exciting and distinctive events that will bring more people to Paddington.