Bedford is a historic market town in the south of England with a population of 150,000. The market, which is held around the church square, is still a predominant feature in the life of the town.
The town centre is a mix of historic buildings, independent retailers and familiar department stores and brands. Since 2001 Bedford Borough Council has been involved in an extensive redevelopment programme of the town’s centre.
The redesign involved environmental improvement schemes such as its pedestrianisation, the updating of seating and lighting design and the introduction of a range of public art schemes such as dance chimes, a whirlpool and a kaleidoscope.
New public squares are also proposed in key locations. Simultaneously other sites in the town are being regenerated such as the area around its historic castle which is being turned into a cultural quarter and the area around its bus station.
In 2005 Bedford town centre was chosen to be one of the first Business Improvement Districts in the UK. In 2003 the government designated Bedford as being within one of Britain’s key Growth areas in its Sustainable Communities Plan.
© urban aesthetics 2008