Mayor Dave welcomes new businesses to Town Centre
In a report to an overview and scrutiny committee, Mayor Dave Hodgson has set out how the Council has been attracting new businesses and jobs to Bedford Town Centre and the wider Borough. The plans outline the steps that have and will be taken to ensure the Town Centre is a vibrant place to live, work, shop, learn and explore. These steps include small business rate relief, a £22.6 million Bedford Town Deal Fund and increasing Town Centre footfall through better transport links, attractive improvements and cultural events.
Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, Councillor Henry Vann said "Bedford has some amazing businesses which I would urge people to explore and rediscover post-COVID. The steep rise in online shopping, especially since the impact of the pandemic, means that town centres across the country are changing. We are adapting by promoting and providing space for other leisure activities such as food and drink, health, leisure and cultural events as well as supporting our independents and investing in the environment.
"I am very pleased with the progress being made. Riverside has been a huge success, the new High Street and Allhallows looks fantastic and there is a huge variety of excellent shops, restaurants and bars operating across the Town Centre - I would urge anyone to try them out. But action must be taken by the government now on uncapped business energy costs and reform to business rates."
Bedford Borough Council has been awarded £22.6 million as part of a Bedford Town Deal. This investment will go towards two projects to regenerate and improve Midland Road. This latest funding announcement adds to a number of projects that have already taken place within the Town Centre. Riverside is now home to a large number of bars and restaurants, the new High Street provides a fantastic space for business owners and residents and the High Street Heritage Action Zone has led to the restoration of a number of buildings. The Town Centre Priority Fund has also made it possible for the Town Centre to host a variety of different events throughout the year, including the Italian Festival, Bedford Asian Festival, and Bedford Flea as well as a new features such as the environmental living wall at St Cuthbert's Arcade, and art on the side of Lurke Street.
Mayor Dave said "The Town Centre has been through a very challenging time but it's fantastic to see it thriving once again. It seems like there is something on for residents to enjoy every weekend and it's great to see that almost 90% of units are currently filled. I am very ambitious for Bedford Borough as we emerge from the pandemic and the projects outlined in this plan will be influential in attracting businesses and jobs to the Borough."