Exciting Riverside Regeneration for Bedford Town Centre

Following my visit to see survey work underway on site in preparation for construction of the western bypass earlier in the week, this week brings a number of further exciting developments for Bedford. Notable amongst those is the formal approval of the release of land for the exciting redevelopment of the area on the north side of the river in Bedford, from the site of the current Town Hall office block all the way along to, and including, the current Riverside surface car park.

With the unloved Town Hall office block to be knocked down, opening up St Paul's Square and the town centre to the river, we have a wonderful opportunity for a development which brings new public space and new retail and leisure opportunities. Currently, the riverside area is closed off to town, and we now have the chance to have a new public square and leisure opportunities by the river, bringing more people into Bedford, boosting the local economy and creating a natural walkway between our town centre and the beautiful River Great Ouse.

Following the earlier move to advertise for expressions of interest for the development, developers have been coming forward with a range of innovative plans to maximise the potential of the site. The decision taken this week includes the appointment of a selection jury to appoint a preferred developer, based on their initial proposals. This jury will feature one representative from each group on the Council.

My plans for the regeneration of the Riverside were subject to consultation at the Town Centre exhibition before Christmas, where there was an extremely positive response. Of course, everyone has their ideas for what they would like to see in any new development (I, for example, would like to see surface car parking retained, attractive public space by the river and other leisure opportunities, to name just a few!), and I want to continue to hear from local residents about their thoughts and aspirations for this important site for Bedford.

You can see the text of the decision published this week and attached report giving a range of further details, including a plan of the site, by clicking on this link: http://www.forms.bedford.gov.uk/Exec_Decisions/Files/D406053744092824.pdf