Mayor Dave Welcomes Bedford Town Centre's Soaring Footfall Figures

New figures have confirmed that Bedford town centre is attracting more visitors, independent shops and investors than ever before. Bedford's array of shops, cafes, restaurants and cultural facilities and events are combining to attract growing numbers of visitors and shoppers, with May's footfall figures showing a 9% year-on-year increase. The rise brings the total number of visitors recorded within Bedford town centre in May 2015 alone to a staggering 1.2m.

The figures are all the more remarkable in light of the national picture, with shop closures trebling in the UK in 2014 and an average of 16 shops a day closing on UK High Streets.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "Bedford is bucking national trends with more people coming to the town centre than in previous years. A vibrant mix of independent shops, well known chains and an array of high quality cafes and restaurants are all helping to attract shoppers. Meanwhile, the free Council parking available on both Saturdays and Sundays gives people even more reason to choose to visit and enjoy the town centre."

Shop vacancy figures for Bedford Borough Council's retail units reflect this increased interest in the town, with just 5% currently empty; some of the lowest figures ever seen. The challenging economic conditions in past years have combined with trends towards out-of-town and internet shopping to threaten the UK high streets. Yet, these increased footfall and low shop vacancy rates show that Bedford remains a hot spot for Independents, shoppers and investors alike.

Bedford's independent retail base is something the town can be particularly proud of; showing that the originality of vendors within the town is both alive and well and the strong sense of community spirit they encourage continues. On average, it is estimated that only 43.7% of retailers within towns in the East of England are independent. However, against this figure, Bedford's independent retail base totalled 51%; reflecting the unique offerings available.

Exciting new shops have opened in Bedford town centre, showing that independent retailers are continuing to invest in the town. Bespoke traders such as Seventh Heaven, Gallones, Herd, Lost and Found, Smoke Shack, George James Bridal boutique and Pride Kitchens have all set up shop in Bedford town centre within the past six months, bringing the total number of independent businesses to 325.