Town Centre Management
West Lothian Council supports the development of thriving local town centres in the five traditional towns of Armadale, Bathgate, Broxburn & Uphall, Linlithgow and Whitburn.
West Lothian's traditional town centres have, over recent years, felt the impact of economic change and changing shopping patterns, further compounded by the unprecedented challenges of the recent pandemic and now the cost of living and doing business crisis. These changes also offer opportunities and Economic Development works closely with Town Centre Management Groups, Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), Local Trader and Business Associations, individual businesses and sole traders, all of which bring together local stakeholders with the collective aim of creating more vibrant, sustainable and prosperous communities in our traditional town centres.
There are well-established Town Centre Management Groups in Bathgate, Broxburn & Uphall, Linlithgow and Whitburn, These groups help to co-ordinate or support social, cultural and economic events and activities within the town and also strive to promote the town as a good place to live, do business, shop, socialise and enjoy. Support is also given to initiatives that improve the quality of life of residents and enhance the experience of visitors.
Business Improvement Districts are a geographically defined, business-led initiative where businesses agree to invest collectively to improve their trading environment within a fixed period of time. Bathgate town centre (Enterprising Bathgate) was Scotland's first BID running from 2008 until cessation in late 2023. Linlithgow town centre (and Mill Road Industrial Estate) became BIDs in 2014, with a further successful BID ballot secured in 2019 for ONE Linlithgow, and more latterly its continuation in Autumn 2024.
