Work Has Started on the Regeneration of 1-4 St Paul's Square

Work is well underway to restore derelict buildings on St Paul's Square to their former glory and provide much-needed affordable town centre housing for local people.

The buildings have been left empty and unused for around 40 years. However, this project will restore the outside as well as refurbishing the inside, creating 10 new affordable flats for local people and regenerating an important part of the town centre.

The works are being delivered by Aldwyck Housing Group, supported by funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Bedford Borough Council and grant funding from Bedford High Street's Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The buildings have a rich history:

• 1 St Paul's Square was built in the 16th century and has been used as an inn, a home, auction house, stockbrokers and most recently the county architect's office
• 2 - 3 St Paul's Square were built in the 18th century
• 4 St Paul's Square was the last of the terrace to be built as the vicarage to St Paul's Church.

All of the buildings trace elements of Bedford's social and commercial history and 1 - 3 St Paul's Square are Grade II listed because of their high heritage significance.

The buildings play a key part in Bedford High Street and St Paul's Square's 'townscape' and it is also hoped that bringing them back into use will help to bring further growth and development to the southern end of High Street. In addition, the Council is stepping up its efforts to bring all empty homes back into use and tackling such prominent and historically important buildings is a vital contribution to this.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: "It is fantastic that these prominent, historic buildings in the heart of Bedford Town Centre are being brought back into use.

"The Townscape Heritage Initiative aims to restore our historic High Street area buildings to their former glories and it is entirely fitting that we are helping to restore these buildings, not just cosmetically but in a way that will provide much-needed housing. It's also further welcome investment in Bedford, supporting a thriving town centre."