When I stood to become mayor, I made a simple promise.
That Bedford town centre would once again become somewhere people choose to visit. Somewhere to shop. Somewhere to spend time. Somewhere we can all be proud of.
That work is already underway.
Over the last three years we’ve brought more events into the town centre, supported independent businesses, invested in public spaces and worked hard to attract more people back into Bedford.
There is still much more to do. But we’re moving in the right direction.
Because town centres have changed.
People no longer visit simply to shop. They want places to meet friends, enjoy culture, eat out and spend the day.
If Bedford is going to thrive, our town centre has to evolve too.
That’s why securing the former Debenhams building was such an important decision.
Read: Debenhams row continues, but Bedford Borough mayor makes public guarantee over sale price
Rather than waiting for someone else to shape Bedford’s future, we took control of one of the most important sites in the town centre.
That gives us the opportunity to shape what comes next and make sure it delivers for Bedford residents and businesses.
Now we’re taking the next step.
After a competitive process, we’ve chosen Cityheart as our development partner because they share our ambition for Bedford and have a strong track record of delivering major regeneration projects across the country.
Read: Bedford Borough Council selects preferred bidder for former Debenhams redevelopment
Together we’ll develop plans for Mayes Yard that could create a vibrant destination with new shops, restaurants, leisure opportunities and improved public spaces.
The proposals could also include a new central library, improved cultural facilities around the Corn Exchange and better walking routes that reconnect different parts of the town centre.
These ideas are still being developed. Residents, businesses and community organisations will continue to have opportunities to help shape the plans as they progress.
Major regeneration is never quick. Getting it right matters more than getting it done quickly.
But Bedford is entering an exciting new chapter. With major investment coming into our borough, including Universal, we have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to ensure our town centre shares in that success.
Read: Bedford Borough Council plans tourism strategy to capitalise on Universal’s £50bn economic impact
For many years, people talked about Bedford’s potential.
Now we’re turning that potential into progress.
And together, we’re putting the heart back into Bedford Town Centre.
This is a monthly guest column provided by elected
Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative). It is published unedited and
does not reflect the views of the Bedford Independent.
