Bedford Borough Council is calling on local business leaders to help shape Bedford Town Centre’s future as recruitment opens for a new Town Centre Advisory Board to boost transparency, collaboration, and community-led regeneration.
Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative) says “transparency and collaboration at the centre” will underpin the new Board, giving Bedfordians and businesses a greater say in how the town centre evolves over the coming decade.
The Board will include up to 12 representatives from Bedford’s business, education, and civic sectors, giving them a formal role in influencing regeneration, supporting growth, and ensuring the town centre thrives in the years ahead.
Applications are now open for business owners and managers with strong links to the town centre who want to play a hands-on role in Bedford’s ongoing transformation.
“On the cusp of a remarkable transformation”
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams & Wilstead), Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said: “Bedford’s town centre is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation, and it’s vital that our business community is at the heart of this change.
“The new Town Centre Advisory Board will ensure that local businesses have a direct voice in shaping our town’s future, helping to create a vibrant, welcoming place that supports local enterprise and attracts visitors from far and wide.”
The Board will offer strategic advice to the Council and work alongside partners including Bedford College and Bedfordshire Police. Members will serve for three years (with the option of a second term) and are expected to attend at least six meetings per year.
This initiative builds on ongoing regeneration across the town, including the Town Deal-funded public realm works at St Paul’s Square and Midland Road, the Mayes Yard redevelopment, and a renewed focus on cleanliness and investment.
Read: Regeneration of St Paul’s Square is “vital” part of £4.98m town centre funding
“We all care about our town”
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, added, “I’m very pleased to have worked with a great team at the Borough to design the new Bedford Town Centre Advisory Board.
“This new Board will have a direct voice in shaping the town’s future as we approach an exciting new decade for Bedford Borough.
“I’ve placed transparency and collaboration at the centre of my vision for the Borough and our county town, which we are so proud of.
“We all care about our town and with this new Board, we will all have the opportunity to pitch in and make it a success. I cannot wait to see what we can do together.”
The new board is being put in place after BedfordBID lost their management of various town centre roles after failing to impress with their plans for a fifth term.
Read: Breaking news: BedfordBID voted out after businesses lose faith in their plans for town centre
The organisation that ran the Love Bedford brand was accused of not being transparent enough with how levy payers’ money was spent.
The effectiveness and robustness of BedfordBID’s governance arrangements were also criticised, with board members not meeting for significant lengths of time.
How to apply
The Council is encouraging applications from people with strong local links and a passion for Bedford’s future. Candidates are asked to submit a CV and a one-page statement outlining their interest and experience by Friday, 13 June.
Interviews are expected to begin the week of 30 June, and the Board’s first meeting is due to commence on 21 July.
For more information or to apply, visit bedford.gov.uk or email the Council’s Economic Growth & Development team at towncentre@bedford.gov.uk.
