Three briefings will be held in Bedford this March, sharing an insight into the Town Deal projects planned for the town centre thanks to recent government funding.
Hosted by Bedford Borough Council and the Town Deal Board, the briefings will outline projects which aim to deliver economic benefits while driving sustainable regeneration as part of the Town Investment Plan vision for Bedford.
Projects on display will include the regeneration of the Station Quarter and Midland Road area, public realm improvements to St. Paul’s Square, improvements to town centre junctions and local pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
And while the investment is welcomed, some groups have criticised a lack of ambition among the projects.
Green councillors Lucy Bywater and Ben Foley (Castle ward) say they welcome news of new pedestrian crossings into the town centre but have reservations about the safety of narrow cycle lanes on roundabouts. A view shared by the Cycling Campaign for North Bedfordshire group (CCNB).
“Those schemes are not recommended in the government’s Cycling Infrastructure Design (LTN 1/20),” explained Cllr Bywater.
“It’s a shame the Town Deal’s cycle schemes were not drawn up in consultation with ward councillors or local cycling groups who have the daily practical experience about where the ‘obstacles’ to greater numbers safely walking and cycling are.”
She expressed her frustration at a missed opportunity to “radically improve the pedestrian and cycle route between the bus and rail station” and said that the council should be looking at “game-changing” schemes.
“That means new cycle infrastructure must cater for a variety of cycles that allow families, people of all ages and disabled people to get around safely – cargo bikes, tricycles, bikes with child trailers, adapted bikes.
“If they get this right, the benefits to the local economy and to health can be huge – a long-term win-win.”
How to attend the briefing events
The briefing are taking place on three separate dates over the next month, with each at a different location:
- The Higgins Bedford – Wednesday 1 March 2023, 11am to 2pm
- The Harpur Centre – Thursday 9 March 2023, 11am to 2pm
- Bedford Central Library – Wednesday 15 March 2023, 11am to 2pm
It has been confirmed to the Bedford Independent that there are no plans to hold events outside of working hours. You can, however, find out more online at bedford.gov.uk/TownDeal.
Samantha Laycock, Chair of Bedford Town Deal Board, said: “The Town Deal is going to make a real difference to Bedford by helping us to deliver an incredibly comprehensive package of projects that lead to positive change in the local area.
“These events will be a good chance for you to find out more about what the projects are and how they’re helping us to bring meaningful improvements to our town and its residents.”
Cllr Henry Vann, the council’s portfolio holder for town centres and planning described the plans as an “inspiring and ambitions vision” for the town.
“Bedford’s Town Deal is bringing a significant amount of investment to our town and you can find out more about the already well-publicised schemes by popping along.
“This funding is helping us deliver major projects supporting skills, the public environment, and better transport options for residents, all as part of a Town Investment Plan for the future.”
The Conservative mayoral candidate, Cllr Tom Wootton urged Bedfordians to attend the briefings.
“We encourage Bedford’s residents to take this opportunity to see the proposals for spending the £22.6 million from the Governments Town Fund while giving them a chance to help define what they would like our future Town Centre to look like,” he said.
“This funding is welcome and these projects must show creativity, they must be ambitious and they need to achieve what residents, businesses and shoppers need.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to inject new life into our Town Centre and to ensure that future needs will be taken on board.”
If you would like to attend one of the events, simply drop in on the day to find out more about the future of Bedford Town Centre.
To find out more about the projects planned under the Bedford Town Deal, visit bedford.gov.uk/TownDeal.
