Bedford Town Centre

Letters: Bedford town centre needs more homes not shops

My heart sank as I read the current plans for the redevelopment of the Beales and Debenhams site with more retail, leisure, and food & beverage (Bedford Independent, 6 November). It really looks...

Council urged to make the development of Debenhams and Beales a priority

There should be “some urgency” to develop a “prime” Bedford town centre site, a borough councillor has said. The Budget and Corporate Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee was told on...

Council criticised for being ‘behind the curve’ as it unveils town centre plans for the future

Bedford Borough Council has published its 'Town Centre Vision' which it says outlines its aim to create "town centres [in Bedford and Kempston] that people are proud to live in and excited to visit"...

Council cease funding of annual Totally Locally retail event

Bedford Borough Council has said it will not pay £160 towards this year's Totally Locally independent retail event, despite the support it gives to local businesses. Fiver Fest is a national event run locally...

Letters: Gunns’ problems in Bedford were brought on by a number of issues

While I agree with many of Paul's ideas, he and his colleagues may never have shopped at Gunns. I would say, more's the pity as the bread is totally different from the over-processed bread...

Letters: Another independent shop gone from Bedford

It is with great sadness that we saw the closure this week of Gunns Bakery, the outlet is no longer profitable under current trading conditions, yet another independent shop gone from Bedford...

Breaking news: jobs at risk as Wilko goes into administration

High street homewares retailer Wilko has failed to find a financial rescue for its 400 stores and has today filed for bankruptcy, putting 12,000 jobs nationally at risk. Wilko has two stores in Bedford Borough...

Letters: Free parking will turn Bedford’s air toxic

I am writing to express my inexplicable indignation that the Conservative Mayor and Council have decided to grant four hours of free parking to all drivers using Allhallows car park. I am a lifelong...

Edinburgh Woollen Mill finally fills former BHS site

After lying empty since 2016, the former BHS building on Midland Road is set to have a new tenant this August. Edinburgh Woollen Mill (EWM), the company that originally bought the building in 2017...

“Town centres aren’t dead,” says Damian Hopkins CBE

Earlier this month, Bedford-resident and retail chief executive, Damian Hopkins was awarded a CBE for his services to the retail sector and the enormous amount of charitable work that he does alongside...

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