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FAQs

Who pays for them?

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The Welwyn Garden City Business Improvement District (BID) commission the flower installations, which are paid for by the town centre businesses. We work closely with the local council (WHBC) to ensue that the colour schemes compliment the town centres floral displays. No additional funding is received from the Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council for the floral displays. 
 

Why Does Welwyn Garden City Have Flowers and Hatfield Does Not?

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Welwyn Garden City town centre is proud to be part of a Business Improvement District (BID). This means that the businesses here collectively invest in enhancing and improving the area through a not-for-profit organisation run by businesses for businesses.

The floral displays you see in Welwyn Garden City are commissioned and funded by the town centre businesses, through the BID.

 

These installations are not paid for by the local council (WHBC). However, we work closely with the council to ensure that the flower colour schemes complement the town’s permanent planting and green spaces.

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Unfortunately, Hatfield does not currently have a BID and therefore does not receive the same type of funding or coordinated projects.

 

What is a Business Improvement District (BID)? 

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What Is a BID (Business Improvement District)?

A BID is a defined geographical area in which local businesses vote to invest collectively to improve their trading environment. It is:

• Business-led and business-funded

• Operated by a not-for-profit company

• Regulated and limited to a five-year term

• Renewed only with majority business support

There are currently over 320 BIDs across the UK, each working to improve local high streets, town centres and commercial areas.

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Why Does Welwyn Garden City Install So Many Flowers?

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The flower installations are part of delivering on the BID’s 2022–2027 business plan, which includes three core objectives:

1. Celebrate Wonderful WGC

2. Enjoy a Vibrant & Sustainable Welwyn Garden City

3. Invest & Grow Welwyn Garden City

4. ​

The flowers are designed to have the most impact in urban concrete-heavy areas, such as the space in front of The Howard Centre. They brighten and soften the townscape, aligning with our branding and identity.

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"The flowers are a great addition to the town centre and enhance our already beautiful town."

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How much do the flowers cost?

The floral installations represent 6% of the BID’s total annual budget. All BID spending is transparent and reviewed by the contributing businesses.

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How long do they stay?

Flowers are installed once the risk of ground frost has passed, typically by early June. In 2025, displays will begin week commencing 9th June and remain in place for at least 12 weeks, through mid-September.

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What happens to the black plastic planters?

We only hire the planters. They are returned and reused multiple times, reducing waste and environmental impact.

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Why a company in Kent?

Following a competitive review, the chosen Kent-based supplier offered the best combination of quality, reliability, and value, meeting all our specific requirements. They also maintain the flowers weekly.

The company:

• Grows and nurtures the plants from an early stage

• Provides ongoing maintenance and feeding

• Created custom planter structures exclusively for our county

 

The chosen flower colours reflect our new branding palette, inspired by the garden city's green spaces and red brick architecture.

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What about vandalism?

All displays are placed in CCTV-covered areas, and any vandalism will be reported. We hope that everyone respects and enjoys the floral additions.

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Why don’t we have flowers in winter?

We are currently exploring the possibility of winter-friendly foliage and hardy floral displays for the colder months.

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If you have any questions or suggestions, please get in touch:
info@welwyngarden.co.uk

We hope you all enjoy the flowers as much as we do.