It has been announced that Bedford Borough will receive £22.6 million from the Government, following a successful bid for a Town Deal.

In October 2020, Bedford Borough Council and Bedford Town Deal Board submitted their Town Investment Plan as part of their bid for up to £25million from Central Government.

This bid has now been accepted. Bedford Borough Council have been awarded £22.6m to rejuvenate the town with a number of projects that must be completed by March 2026.

This money comes after the Government has given Bedford Borough funding such as Towns fund money of £1m, the High Street Heritage Action Zone money of £1.83m and £19m provided to support the Transporting Bedford scheme in a bid to rejuvenate the town.

Conservative Group Leader, Cllr Graeme Coombes commented:

“I welcome the Conservative Government’s £22.6m financial commitment to regenerate Bedford through the Town Deal.

The Bid had the support of us all and with the funds needing to be spent by 2026, we are looking forward to seeing quick progress being made in the improvements to Bedford.”

Deputy Group Leader, Cllr Roger Rigby also commented:

“This money comes on top of nearly £22m of Government funding previously awarded to regenerate and give Bedford a brighter future.”

It is fantastic news for all residents of Bedford Borough that the Government have again shown faith by investing more in our town although the Mayor rarely acknowledges it.

We now look forward to spending this money quickly, wisely and effectively to regenerate our town centre and create a better Bedford.”