Town Centre Development Update - Council Set To Acquire Key Site

Monday 1st March 2010

Plans to transform Bedford Town Centre are moving closer with a major piece of the developments jigsaw set to be put in place.

Bedford Borough Council has exchanged contracts with bpha to purchase Gwyn and Patteshull Courts. Once completed, the sale of the buildings close to Bedford Bus station, will hand the council a major part of the site of the Town Centre West development.

The council is currently working with development partner St Modwen who recently signed a two year extension to their development agreement, further committing themselves to the town. At present phasing and design layout plans are being put in place to meet the needs of the regenerated Town Centre. Purchasing key locations such as Gwyn and Patteshull Courts means the development will be able to move faster once the construction stage starts.

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said:

“The Town Centre West development will transform Bedford Town Centre. The purchase and subsequent demolition of these vacant blocks is a major milestone for the development. Clearly the delivery of the scheme has been affected by the economic climate, but we will continue to do all we can to move the regeneration of the town centre forward.”

The Courts comprise 76 flats, all of which have been vacant for some time, and the property is no longer regarded as fit for purpose.  To remove ongoing costs and to prevent the premises from being vandalised, it is planned that the buildings will be demolished at the earliest opportunity, paving the way for future development. While the demolition work is expected to take place later this year, preparations are set to begin in earnest. This will include the removal of a number of low level trees on the edge of the site. Local residents have been informed and the work will be carried out to minimise disruption to residents and visitors to the town

John Cross, Chief Executive at bpha said: “Gwyn and Patteshull Courts have been disused for some time and are in a key centre for Town Centre redevelopment. We are pleased to be working with the Council to help transform Bedford,”

Growth funds have been provided by the government to cover the purchase and demolition costs.

Ahead of the works Bedford Borough Council has also signed an agreement with bus operator Stagecoach which will provide £60,000 to improve the Bus Station area.

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