Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire are being promoted to international investors as part of the government’s vision for an Oxford-Cambridge “growth corridor”.
The updated official prospectus highlights the proposed Universal theme park, Cranfield University and plans linked to Tempsford.
The 25-page document is aimed at investors, developers and businesses considering investment in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor.
“Europe’s Silicon Valley”
The Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor prospectus, published by the Department for Business and Trade, describes the region as “Europe’s answer to Silicon Valley” and repeatedly identifies Bedfordshire as part of future growth plans.
Yet, despite Bedford featuring prominently throughout the government-backed prospectus, neither Bedford mayor Tom Wootton nor Bedford Borough Council responded to requests by the Local Democracy Reporting Service for a comment.
The document says the government is backing investment in transport, housing and infrastructure across the corridor, including East West Rail, which it says will eventually connect “a region of 3.5 million people”.
Read: East West Rail could reshape Bedford’s future but debate continues over local impact
The report describes Bedford as “the site of the new Universal Resort”, and includes a statement from Universal Destinations and Experiences vice-president external affairs, Gidon Freeman.
He said: “Universal chose Bedford, at the heart of the OxCam corridor, for the location of its first European theme park and resort because of its incredible connectivity, the skilled local workforce and supplier base, and the entrepreneurial energy that is evident across the whole area.”
Next generation of new towns
The prospectus also says Tempsford has been named in consultation work linked to a possible next generation of new towns.
The document says the Government is revisiting “large-scale new town development for the first time in over 50 years”, linked to housing growth and long-term infrastructure planning.
Read: New town at Tempsford among government plans for the biggest housebuilding push in 50 years
Central Bedfordshire is also featured through plans linked to Cranfield University.
The prospectus says Cranfield has outline planning agreements for a commercial development next to the university and airport, alongside another site supported by Central Bedfordshire Council’s Local Plan.
Read: Bedfordshire’s Cranfield University could become part of UK ‘super-university’
According to the report, opportunities include investment linked to aerospace, hydrogen, defence technologies and advanced manufacturing.
“Infrastructure must come first”
Cllr Adam Zerny, the leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, welcomed the government’s recognition of the area’s economic importance, but warned infrastructure and environmental protections must keep pace with development.
He said: “We are delighted the government recognises the importance of our area, which is exceptionally well connected by road, rail and air.
“It’s clear this is important to the many residents and businesses who choose to make Central Bedfordshire their home.
“New roads and rail routes are underway, and we are also proud to host Cranfield University with its many links not just in academia, but in technology and aerospace.
“With all this growth, we know how important it is to protect our incredible natural environment. Once it’s gone, it’s gone.
“Future development must be carefully planned, and the infrastructure must come first.”
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
