Bedford’s skyline has been transformed following the unveiling of the new-look Bedford College riverside campus building which has been under wraps while work commenced.
The scaffolding has come down on the £12.6m project to deliver a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient Health, Science and Digital Skills Centre at the college. It is one of seven government-funded Bedford Town Deal projects, with the development benefitting from £3m of the funding.
Visible from the riverside in Bedford, the 1950s tower block has long been something of an eyesore. The modern, new-look building has been described by the project stakeholders as “representing a commitment to investment in the future of the Borough.”
The investment will help to remodel the building and upgrade a number of its spaces, including labs and IT suites. The improvements will open up the St Mary’s Gardens area and allow easy access to Riverside Bedford and the rest of Bedford town centre across the river.
Under the plans, the project is set to generate an additional 250 full-time education students a year, as well as enhance facilities for the 4,000 learners currently at the Bedford campus.
Samantha Laycock, Chair of the Bedford Town Deal Board and Manager for the Harpur Centre, said: “The College, its staff and students are a vital part of life in the town centre and this investment will secure future footfall and contribute to creating a lively feeling in the town through the working week.
“This project is bringing a modern, 21st-century facility to our town, which the people of Bedford deserve.
“Not only will the project help people to develop their own skills, but it’s also a key part of bringing growth and investment to Bedford Borough. Grouped with our six other Town Deal projects, this is a key part of our plan to enhance skills, opportunities and a range of possibilities to Bedford.”
Speaking for the first time in her new role, Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative), Bedford Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Town Centres and Planning, said: “We are committed to generating investment opportunities that will attract new employers to Bedford Borough and equipping people with the correct skills is an essential part of our team’s vision.
“It has been immensely encouraging to see this vision align with that of the Town Deal Board.
“This funding from the government is helping people to level-up their prospects and strive for the opportunities they deserve. Bedford’s best days are yet to come and this uplift in learning and earning for our borough will help our friends, families and children to take the right first steps on an important path.”
Her predecessor, Cllr Henry Vann (Liberal Democrat), welcomed the progress of the town deal project, funding for which had been secured under the previous administration.
The Deputy Chief Executive at The Bedford College Group, Pat Jones said that : “The Tower Block has been part of the landscape for over 60 years. The regeneration of this building will enable the college to continue to support the community to flourish through the provision of education and skills.
“This investment will establish an advanced digital and scientific skills offer in Bedford. The investment will enable the curriculum to support advanced and degree levels, so that existing students can progress further and achieve higher levels of skill in areas where employers say there is a need.”
