Bedford Borough Council has formally agreed to accept new planning policy for a number of critical town centre sites, making significant steps in their redevelopment plans.

Urban regeneration offers huge potential to re-imagine an often tired poorly utilised landscape into new community-focused space that is suitable for the next century. Deliverable masterplans and design codes are important tools to overcome the day-to-day challenges experienced by existing communities while also delivering new homes and integrating the areas into the wider town centre. 

The development brief and code were developed, working in conjunction with the Greyfriars Development Partnership, comprising Bedford Borough Council, bpha and Homes England.

Located between the existing town centre core, Bedford station and the western side of the town, the Greyfriars site has potential to provide around 500 new homes with a mix of tenures across a range of unit types, initiating a step change in urban living in Bedford. The SPD now acts as the masterplan and design code for these plans, set to transform the area into a high-quality, urban neighbourhood with new open spaces and play facilities as well as a mix of retail and community uses. We recognise the complexities, challenges, and incredible opportunity that the redevelopment of Greyfriars site provides, creating a positive gateway between the station and the town centre and supporting local housing delivery.

Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, stated: “The Greyfriars redevelopment is a key project for Bedford, promising to enhance our housing provision and create a vibrant, sustainable community. We are grateful for the input from all stakeholders, which has been crucial in shaping a development that reflects the needs and aspirations of our residents.”

The plans were developed in collaboration with a wider team, including Tibbalds CampbellReith JV, Aspinall Verdi, LUC, Urban Flow and Urban Movement.  With Homes England, Bedford District Council and bpha.