The Bedford Town Centre Advisory Board has held its first meeting, bringing together local business leaders, education representatives and councillors to help shape the future of the town centre.
On Wednesday (17 September), the 15-member Board got together and is expected to meet every two months to provide strategic advice to the Council on issues affecting businesses and stakeholders in the town centre.
Chaired by Cllr Andrea Spice, members include the Mayor, Bedford College Principal Karen Campbell, Bedfordshire Police Chief Inspector Andy Smith and other independent and large business owners, alongside community organisation representatives.
Collaboration
The Board was first announced in May 2025, when the Council invited applications from local business leaders to join a new body aimed at increasing transparency and collaboration on town centre regeneration.
Read: Council urges Bedfordians to help lead “transparent and collaborative” future of town centre
Interest was higher than expected, causing a delay in confirming membership and holding the first meeting.
The Council has said the Board will now play a key role in ensuring that regeneration plans, such as the redevelopment of Mayes Yard and improvements to Midland Road and St Paul’s Square, reflect the priorities of businesses and residents.
Read: Council say “high number of applications” has caused Town Centre Advisory Board delay
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams & Wilstead), Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning & Prosperity, said: “Bedford’s town centre is on the cusp of a remarkable transformation, and it’s vital that our business community is at the heart of this change.
“The new Town Centre Advisory Board will ensure that local businesses have a direct voice in shaping our town’s future, helping to create a vibrant, welcoming place that supports local enterprise and attracts visitors from far and wide.”
Who’s on the board?
Alongside the Mayor and councillors, the Board includes representatives from a wide range of businesses and organisations in the town centre:
- Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams & Wilstead)
- Mayor Tom Wootton (Conservative)
- Cllr Paul Edmonds (Green, Castle)
- Karen Campbell – Principal, Bedford College
- CI Andy Smith – Bedfordshire Police
- Justin Deaville – Receptional
- Nick Wells – Wells & Co
- Raj Garcha – Garcha Group
- Libby Lionetti – La Piazza
- Helen Smallwood – Shaftesbury Clinic
- Rosanna Heasman – The Store
- Urban Judge – Youth TV
- Sam Laycock – Harpur Centre
- Simon Clewlow – Bedford Milton Keynes Waterway Trust/John Bunyan Boat
- Connell Willis – Local businessman
