A public drop-in session is being held for residents to have their say on the £5m regeneration of Midland Road, which has been described as much-needed and overdue.
The investment is part of the government’s Town Deal funding and locals can find out more and give their input at the session on Wednesday 7 September from 6.30pm – 9pm at Rutland Road Hall.
It will be an opportunity for local residents and businesses to learn more about the project proposals to create ‘Bedford’s second High Street’ and provide their thoughts on the scheme.
Midland Road is one of the gateways into the town centre and the funding aims to enhance its appearance, creating a ‘vibrant corridor’.
Strategic importance
Green councillor Ben Foley, who represents the area said: “This is much needed and overdue investment in this street that is of strategic importance to the town as well as being so important to locals.
“The area has suffered from neglect, and at times been treated like a dumping ground by the council, so this investment is very welcome.
“Local businesses should benefit from a more pleasant neighbourhood, and so be able to do even more to support the local economy.
“I know local people are keen to engage with this drop-in, and I would like to thank the work of the Midland Area Residents’ Association in publicising this event in the neighbourhood.”
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said, “Bedford has been awarded over £22million as part of its Town Deal and is looking to invest £5 million for Midland Road.
“The Midland Road regeneration projects include investment to transform this key gateway from the railway station into the town centre.
“We want to create a vibrant corridor by investing in both the walking route and the visual impression, with improvements to individual businesses’ shopfronts.”
For more information please contact Patrick Lyons, Manager for Town Deal at Patrick.Lyons@bedford.gov.uk.
