Mayor Welcomes Business Minister to Bedford Town Centre

Mayor Dave Hodgson yesterday welcomed Business Minister Ed Davey MP to Bedford Town Centre to discuss the regeneration activity going on in the town and to talk about the range of positive ways in whichBedfordis responding to the challenges facing all town centres in the current climate. The visit coincided with yesterday's publication of the report into the future of Britain's High Streets by 'Queen of Shops' Mary Portas, and Mr Davey came to Bedford to see for himself how the Council, local businesses and residents are working together to improve their town centre now and in the future.

Mayor Dave gave the Minister a tour of the town centre, taking in retailers on the High Street, Castle Quay and the Arcade, and told him about the £3 million High Street heritage regeneration project and forthcoming Riverside North development. The Minister also learnt about the redevelopment of the Cecil Higgins Museum and Art Gallery, how the Council is building on Bedford's status as 'a town of markets' and the Council's innovative arrangement with local voluntary community group 'We Are Bedford,' which is running a pop-up shop in vacant Council premises in the town centre.

Commenting, Mayor Dave Hodgson said: "With all town centres facing competition from so many quarters such as online retailers and out-of-town shopping, I was pleased to be able to talk to the Minister about the range of ways in whichBedfordis adapting to present a vibrant and attractive offer to local shoppers. From our range of excellent independent retailers to the successful and growing markets, and from the heritage-based regeneration of the High Street to the exciting Riverside North Development, Bedford Town Centre has lots to offer now and in the future. We need to continue to work together to ensureBedfordtown centre is an attractive destination for local residents and visitors, where people can enjoy spending time for shopping and leisure."

Commenting after a tour of the town centre from Mayor Dave Hodgson, Liberal Democrat Minister for Consumer Affairs Ed Davey MP added: "It's been a real pleasure to come and find out about the variety of ways in which Mayor Dave Hodgson and the Council are working together with business to make Bedford town centre an attractive place to be. Mary Portas's report published today highlights the need for our town centres to adapt to become destinations where people want to spend time. Today I've seen how Mayor Dave Hodgson and the traders of Bedford are working together to do exactly that, with innovative approaches to filling empty shops, a commitment to vibrant local markets and the delivery of real regeneration."

For more comment from the Mayor on the visit click here