People living in and around Bedford can benefit from a range of regeneration and growth projects thanks to a Government scheme to respond to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
The town is one of more than 100 places chosen to benefit from the transformative £3.6 billion Towns Fund, with each area receiving support to produce a bespoke, multi-million-pound ‘Town Deal’ to improve their area, for example by upgrading transport and digital infrastructure or improving the high street, driving growth and raising living standards.
The £1million for Bedford could be used to support projects making a difference to the local area, such as new green spaces, the creation of pop-up businesses spaces, pedestrianising streets to encourage walking or cycling and creating of new community hubs to support those living alone.
Town Deals build directly on the Government’s commitment to decentralising funding and decisions away from Whitehall and investing in the growth of local economies, giving local leaders and communities more say over their futures.
In June, the Prime Minister announced that this initial £80 million tranche of funding from the overall Towns Fund would be brought forward and shared out to get projects off the ground and give local areas a boost as they build back better from coronavirus. In total, in his ‘New Deal’ for Britain, the Prime Minister announced £5 billion of projects that would be accelerated in order to deliver jobs, skills and new infrastructure to every corner of the country, spurring the nation’s economic recovery in this unprecedented time.
Commenting, Richard said: “The Conservatives were elected on a promise to level up and spread opportunity across the country, and with this funding for many town centres, we are delivering on that pledge.
“£1m will make a massive difference to those who live and work near Bedford and help accelerate economic growth at a critical time, driving our communities forward.
“I will continue to work closely with local leaders and the Government to ensure this money is invested wisely and reflects local priorities, to ensure our communities get the maximum possible benefit.”
Commenting, Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Our Towns Fund will help to share prosperity across the country and level-up. This £80 million funding for immediate investment is a real boost for our towns and will help them thrive with investment in transport, technology, skills and culture.
“It will give towns across the opportunity to drive economic growth and improve prospects for their communities, which will be vital as the country respond to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic. We are fully behind our high streets and will support local areas to build back better.”
