Old East Village Business Improvement Area

About Old East Village Business Improvement Area

Old East Village Business Improvement Area (OEV BIA) is a community organization located in the Old East Village commercial corridor of Central London. It serves as a representative body for a diverse range of local businesses, including sole proprietorships, corporations, and worker-owned co-operatives. The organization works to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive commercial corridor where residents can live, work, shop, play, and produce. The OEV BIA provides a variety of support services for area businesses, including assistance with City of London permits, zoning, development supports, and guidance on grant programs. They offer advocacy at all levels of government, provide general expertise on the area's history and context, and act as a liaison between the City and property owners. Additionally, the BIA assists with the removal of graffiti and vandalism, promotes local events and businesses, and provides small event support for activities held within its boundaries. Past initiatives have included the Patio Improvement Grant, the Construction Dollars program, and public art projects such as the Main Street Murals and mosaics. To encourage local commerce, the organization offers an Old East Village Gift Card, which can be used at various nearby establishments such as cinemas, coffee houses, barbers, and bookshops. They also manage a community newsletter to keep the public informed about upcoming news and events. The BIA is active in community beautification, notably through the OEV Main Street Mural Program, which pairs artists to create public art installations that celebrate local heritage, sustainability, and community diversity.