Wanted to read last week’s piece on Bedford in The Times, but either couldn’t get hold of copy or haven’t subscribed to Murdoch’s pay wall? Well, we at the Clanger have tirelessly transcribed the piece for your perusal. Let’s hope their lawyers are so busy with the hacking scandal that they won’t sue me for copyright…
Enjoy!
The Times Friday 11 November 2011
Bricks & Mortar: Local Intelligence
Just a commuter town that used to be known for brick-making? No, Bedford is much more than that. The county town of Bedfordshire is bent on regeneration. It’s also something of a well-kept secret. “The best thing,” as one local put it, “is that no one knows exactly how nice it is.”
What’s it like?
It’s a compact place that retains its Victorian feel, with its annual regatta on the Great Ouse river, which flows through the centre of the town.
Tell me more about the regeneration?
The high street shop fronts are getting a £3million upgrade and the Cecil Higgins art gallery and museum are also being restored. Riverside North is a proposed mix-use development on sites close to the river once occupied by the local authority. There is a burgeoning arts scene.
Travel
It’s a well-connected place. The fast train to London takes only 40 minutes. Many people also travel to Milton Keynes which is 55 minutes away (sic). The A421 is now a dual carriageway, providing better connections to the M1.
The best streets
The top areas in town include The Embankment, Park Avenue, de Parys Avenue and the Castle Road area, where large period houses can reach more than a million. The Prime Ministers area has smaller Victorian houses; prices start at about £190,000. The modern estate stuff is a bit more under pressure, says Richard Banks, from Michael Graham estate agents. “But there is still a hunger for town-centre property, primarily from the London market.”
Schools
Bedford School, Bedford Modern and Bedford Girls are notable private schools.
Going out
The Embankment (a pub and restaurant with river views), the Riverside Grill, Santaniello and Baia de Cascais number among the best-regarded restaurants. Popular pubs include the Wellington Arms and the Bedford Arms.
Shopping
A good mix of independent retailers, including Coolhaus, a stylish new furniture shop, and high-street chains such as Debenhams and Marks & Spencer. Lots of coffee shops, thanks to the Italian population who migrated to Bedford in the 1950s to work at the brick factories (now closed).
Upside
Bedford is multicultural, picturesque and community spirited, says Erica Roffe, editor of The Bedford Clanger, the town’s art scene newspaper that was launched this year.
Downside
Public sector cuts have had a big impact (the state is a very large employer). We Are Bedford, a local community group, is working hard to support businesses and people through a series of events.
