The first stage of the regeneration of one of the most-used pedestrian corridors into the town centre will begin shortly, as part of the £22.6m Bedford Town Deal secured in June 2021.
Midland Road, from Greyfriars to Ashburnham Road and the train station, will see shopfronts and buildings enhanced with £1.4m of the government’s Town Deal funding.
The project is modelled on similar schemes that have enhanced Bedford High Street, including on-going work on the former Goldings building.
The funding will provide a grant to cover 80% of the cost of works to premises on Midland Road, incentivising owners to invest in their businesses and buildings.
The Council’s Town Deal Manager and expert teams are currently speaking with Midland Road property owners to engage them in the scheme and expect works to begin in 2023.
If you own a property on Midland Road, between Greyfriars to Ashburnham Road, you can contact the Town Deal Manager by emailing Patrick.Lyons@bedford.gov.uk to find out more.
Once-in-a-generation opportunity
Local councillors have welcomed the investment in the area, saying the plans “should help a little”.
“I was glad to be able to input at the consultation a couple of months ago, and hope that design mistakes that were on show then will be avoided,” said the Green Party’s Ben Foley, councillor for Castle ward, which includes Midland Road.
“However, the problems of the Midland Road area are much more to do with the side streets, and the area needs a plan to uplift the whole area. I will continue to push for improvements throughout the area.”
The project, described by Bedford Borough Council as a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” aims to create a vibrant corridor connecting the train station and town centre.
“The plans for Midland Road are really exciting and represent positive progress in bringing our Town Investment plan to life,” said Samantha Laycock, chair of the Bedford Town Deal board.
“Midland Road is the primary gateway from Bedford train station into the town centre and this investment will help regenerate a key area of our great town.
“The funding we’ve secured to help breathe new life into this area will not only help improve the physical condition of the corridor, it is also providing new shopfronts to businesses that are such an essential part of the local community.
“We’re looking forward to seeing the visible difference this will bring to Midland Road.”
Mayor Dave Hodgson (LibDem) described as a vital part of the plan to grow the Borough as a great place to live, work and stay.
“The project will help restore Midland Road as a key entry point to the town and town centre and as well as improving the overall look and feel of the town, will help make the premises in the area become more secure and energy efficient, helping to reduce energy costs as well,” he said.
“The shopfront improvement project is just one part of the Midland Road scheme, with additional projects to invest in the public realm – the environment we walk, cycle and drive through – also planned for this same stretch of Midland Road.”
