Council-funded regeneration projects in Bedford and Kempston town centres have been put on hold, according to an update report published last week.
An Executive decision taken on 25 February notes progress on the borough’s Town Centre Vision, but confirms that “the capital allocation has been paused and council-funded projects within the Delivery Plan are on hold.”
The Town Centres’ Vision was approved in September 2023, followed by a Bedford and Kempston Town Centres’ Delivery Programme in June 2024.
The programme included a £10 million capital allocation to support regeneration projects over two years.
However, the report states that in October 2025, the council approved a revised capital programme to reduce borrowing levels, amending the Town Centre Regeneration budget to £1.6 million.
The document says 22 projects were originally outlined under “Physical Regeneration Projects”, with 15 receiving initial funding, alongside externally funded schemes including the Town Fund.
The report also notes that the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced that the Levelling Up Fund, Town Deals and Simplified Pathfinder Pilot will be consolidated into a new Local Regeneration Fund.
The council is reviewing updated guidance to understand the implications of the change.
The decision, taken by cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams and Wilstead) portfolio holder for economic growth, planning and prosperity, formally records that the update is for information only and that no new decisions were required.
This decision can be implemented on 5 March 2026, if it is not called in by councillors for further scrutiny.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
