First Riverside North Units Completed and Handed Over to Operators

The first completions have taken place at Riverside North, the exciting new development which is bringing town centre cinema back to Bedford alongside new riverside restaurants, public space, a hotel and more.

The cinema, hotel and first restaurant units have been completed and handed over to operators Vue, Premier Inn, Coal Bar & Grill, Miller & Carter, Bella Italia and Gourmet Burger Kitchen, who will all now begin their 'fit outs'. The first of these is expected to open to the public in the coming months with further openings this summer. Other brands confirmed for Riverside North include Wagamama and MEXIco, the latest brand from the Prezzo group.

At a time when town centres across the country are declining, with 15 shops closing per day in the UK, the development delivers £36 million of new investment in Bedford, hundreds of new jobs and additional footfall.

The remaining restaurants, apartments and public spaces are all now in their final stages of development and residents and operators will take occupation in phases over the coming two months, in line with the expected timetable for this major redevelopment project.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "The handover of the first completed units is another exciting step for Riverside North, which is bringing new investment, new jobs and new reasons to visit and enjoy Bedford Town Centre. Old Council office blocks and car parking have been transformed into a new development which supports our vision of a town centre attractive for retail and also for leisure, culture, food and drink and more."