Transforming High Street Passageways

On Friday I was pleased to mark the unveiling of the artwork which has transformed the first of two passageways to be improved as part of the Bedford High Street heritage regeneration scheme. 'Passage 101', which is off the northern section of the High Street and is a common link between the High Street and Lurke Street Car Park, has been transformed through the Townscape Heritage Initiative through a range of improvements. Most notable amongst these improvements, which included repairs to the paving, lighting, brickwork, drainage, the installation of CCTV and a deep clean, is the artwork which was designed by Bedford College Student Michelle Crowther.

The photo here shows me presenting Michelle with some flowers at the unveiling. Passage 101's design taps into Bedford 's local newspaper printing history, featuring news print character blocks arranged on panels within the newly-white walls.

The work has transformed it into a much more pleasant walkway thanks to the renovation work and, in particular, the artistic talent involved.

The first requirement for us was to give the passageway a thoroughly decent clean and comprehensive repair job. That's really changed the feel of it, while the artwork makes it a much more appealing, attractive route to use. The brighter, lighter feel and the CCTV installation will also help tackle the anti-social behaviour which in the past has spoilt the pathway for everyone.

It was a real pleasure to sit on the panel to help choose the winning design, and I must congratulate the students who took part for the great array of creativity and talent which was on show. Regenerating the High Street is a key element of our efforts to support a vibrant, thriving town centre, and the transformation of this passageway is another positive step in this direction.