Bedford and north Central Bedfordshire

The Bedford growth area covers the Bedford Borough and the northern part of Central Bedfordshire. Some 31,800 homes and 27,000 jobs are planned for this area up to 2021, principally around town centre sites and the new Wixams.

Bedford is an attractive town centre set on the River Ouse. Its range of well-recognised education assets includes its Harper Trust schools, the Cranfield University and Science Park and the University of Bedfordshire. Major transport infrastructure upgrades are taking shape in the form of road improvements such as the duelling of the A421 and the building of its western bypass, as well as the multi-billion renovation of the rail-line through the Thameslink 2000 project which will provide additional capacity on fast links into London, Midlands, and the continent via Kings Cross St Pancras.

Set in the River Valley, Bedford also celebrates green and waterside environments providing for leisure, open space, connectivity and healthy lifestyles. The Bedford River Valley Park, the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway, and the Forest of Marston Vale, are key assets which combine to provide a unique green offer set along the river.

Local Delivery Vehicle

Renaissance Bedford

Renaissance Bedford is the informal partnership created to help meet the challenge of delivering the growth targets for new homes, jobs and infrastructure for the Bedford and North Central Bedfordshire Area. The partnership brings together public and private sector bodies.

Renaissance Bedford aims to facilitate development through infrastructure planning, influence and engagement, and support to its key partner organisations, in particular to its local authorities.

Find out more:

You can learn more about Bedford and Central Bedfordshire’s plans at:

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