The regeneration of Bedford town centre is a key priority and, in this respect, a number of projects have been completed and good progress has been made in determining the Development Framework (now superseded by the Town Centre Area Action Plan).
The Exhibition attracted considerable interest with approaching 4,500 visitors attending the 4-day exhibition and served as the basis of consultation for the Development Framework (drawn up by Consultants GVA Grimley) showing how Bedford should develop over the next 25 years. It also showed the progress the council has made in the two years since the last town centre exhibition and how new schemes are emerging.
Key issues on display included identified development areas, such as the Bus Station area, with St Modwen Developments in attendance and there was a shortlist of designs in the Castle Lane architectural competition for visitors to see and comment on. The project for Riverside Square was also on display including some sketch ideas from the commissioned classical architect Quinlan Terry, on what the development should be and his controversial proposals aroused fierce debate at the exhibition.
Trevor Roff, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration says: "The reaction of people visiting this exhibition was generally enthusiastic, most recognising that Bedford and the town centre has much to offer and that good progress was being made. We have already made a number of improvements – like the restoration of Castle Mound, the introduction of specialist markets (gourmet food and flower & plant markets), the relocation of the TIC, the pedestrianisation of Harpur Street/Lime Street and an improved Town Centre events calendar - but there is still more work to be done".
Bedford Borough Council Exhibition Leaflet
Bedford Borough Council Exhibition Panels
