WARNING: this article contains graphic descriptions of optimism and positivity. Readers of a negative disposition may find it disturbing.
Work has now begun to transform the site of the former Town Hall into the Riverside North development. I really wanted to type ‘eagerly anticipated Riverside North development’, but a scroll through social media and the local press would suggest that the venture is universally reviled, has the majority of residents up-in-arms about its design and is guaranteed to herald the death of Bedford town centre.
In truth, the naysayers are a minority of particularly vocal locals who have hijacked the debate and whose views have gained traction without anyone offering up a defence.
So, let’s dismantle the anti-RN argument point by point:
But we’ve already got a cinema: Yep, you’ve got me there. We do have a cinema in the truest sense of the word. We have a building that shows films. We do not have a destination that makes you want to meet up with friends for a drink first, spend time relaxing in the venue with a coffee or snack waiting for the film to start, or somewhere with a choice of nearby restaurants and bars where you can have a post-film meal and discuss what you’ve just seen. But you’re right, we do have a cinema.
But it will take away trade from other established restaurants. It might do, but most Bedfordians have their go-to curry house, Italian restaurant, local pub, cafe, bar, burger joint, greasy spoon, kebab shop that they will remain loyal to. If a business is any good, its loyal customers will stay true to it, no matter how many Wagamamas you open on its doorstep.
But what about car parking? Yes, they’ve built on an existing car park, but built a new one on Prebend Street and another opposite the Police Station. Will this be sufficient for the number of visitors? I’m not a town planner so I couldn’t comment, but Riverside North’s location will mean that the majority of local residents can walk, cycle or get a bus or taxi into town.
But Bedford deserves better.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. One man’s beautiful Brutalist architecture is another man’s eyesore; one man’s fabulous Silver Faces is another man’s Room 101. We will never all agree on what Riverside North should look like, but the opinions of the few who dislike it should not be taken as the views of the whole town. I, more than anyone, believe that Bedford deserves to be better. But I believe this will happen because of Riverside North, not despite it.
But what if it’s actually really great & it enhances the town centre offer, encourages more people to visit & spend money in Bedford, has a great mix of brands, interesting public realm space and makes me proud of my town? What can I do then?
Haters gonna hate. There’s always the Turbo Roundabout to have an opinion about.
This is an edited version of the full article which will appear in the April issue of The Bedford Clanger.
