We are delighted to announce that WeAreWaterloo has secured a fifth term, following a successful renewal ballot and a strong YES vote from local businesses.

93% voted YES with an incredible 61% turnout, demonstrating continued confidence in WeAreWaterloo’s role in supporting the area and its business community from 2026-2031. The yes votes represent 91% of the total Rateable Value of votes cast. 

Thank you to every business that took part in the ballot and backed our work. Your support enables us to unlock over £4.5m of investment directly into our neighbourhood over the next five years, delivering activity that makes a tangible difference to the place, the people who work here, and the businesses that call it home.

Looking ahead: Our next five years

This renewed mandate allows us to move forward with our five-year plan, shaped by consultation with levy-paying businesses.

Over the next five years, we will turn our pledges into measurable action. We will:

• Keep Waterloo’s streets safe, clean and welcoming  by increasing our on-street security patrols, and continuing to fund a dedicated cleaning and greening team.
• Promote Waterloo as a vibrant destination through events, marketing campaigns, and improving the physical welcome into the neighbourhood.
• Support local businesses with cost-saving initiatives and help them connect, grow, and flourish within our community.
• Adapt our streets to protect people from extreme weather and support businesses to achieve collective sustainability and environmental ambitions.
• Continue to deliver a thriving market on Lower Marsh that serves local workers, residents and visitors.

Kate Poulter, Chief Executive of WeAreWaterloo, says: 

“Everything we do at WeAreWaterloo is rooted in partnership so we’re delighted that the ballot results present such strong endorsement from the business community. Throughout this process we’ve gathered invaluable intel from Waterloo’s businesses which has not only helped shape the 2026-31 proposal, but will continue to inform development of our plans during the next term. We’re excited to build upon the energy and relationships nurtured during the campaign, and deliver an impressive programme for the next five years.”

Liz Sillett, Chair of WeAreWaterloo said: 

“For 20 years WeAreWaterloo has proudly represented Waterloo so we’re thrilled that this resounding yes vote gives the BID a strong mandate to improve the neighbourhood over the next five years. Waterloo has already seen a huge amount of change but what has remained constant is the passion of our businesses, residents and local stakeholders to make Waterloo a great place to live, work and visit. Waterloo is set to embark on a further period of growth and the BID will continue to champion Waterloo and represent a unified business voice.”

We are excited to get cracking on the next chapter of WeAreWaterloo’s work – commencing 1 April –  building on what we’ve achieved together so far and responding to the opportunities ahead. 

Further information about the proposal for the next five years is available here, or enquiries can be directed to info@wearewaterloo.co.uk.