Bedford Borough Council is to begin the refurbishment of St Paul’s Square, a key project within its Towns Fund regeneration plans. This is part of the £4.98 million investment to improve the Harpur Square and St Paul’s Square area. The redevelopment will create a more vibrant and attractive destination, boost the town centre’s economy and improve visitor experience.
Work is scheduled in phases, beginning on Monday 17th February, and is expected to be completed in early December 2025. Whilst some delays to traffic are possible, the council is committed to minimising disruption and ensuring a smooth project execution through each stage of the works. Plans include using single-lane partial road closures wherever possible to reduce disruption.
Pedestrian access to businesses will be maintained throughout. Access to the secure cycle shelter on the corner of the Harpur Centre will also be maintained throughout the works.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity at Bedford Borough Council, said; “We are thrilled to be moving forward with the refurbishment of St Paul’s Square, this project is a vital part of our vision for Bedford town centre, creating a more welcoming space for all to enjoy.”
The St Paul’s Square improvements project includes replacing paving slabs and kerbs, along with the widening of pedestrian walkways around the south side of the Square. The project will create a more inviting space for outdoor events and enhance pedestrian flow, better connecting the Cultural Quarter, Riverside Bedford, Silver Square and High Street.
The Embankment junction will be closed overnight, 8pm-5am, from Sunday 6th April to Wednesday 7th May 2025. This is to carry out works to enable traffic to turn right onto The Embankment from the Town Bridge. A diversion will be signposted during the closure hours.
The new right turn into The Embankment will be open by the start of the school summer holidays. During these holidays, St Paul’s Square will be closed for traffic between The Embankment and Horne Lane to allow for drainage and other essential work. A diversion route will be in place, and bus services approaching Bedford town centre from the south will be diverted, although bus stops outside the Corn Exchange will not be affected. Access for pedestrians will not be affected during this stage of work.
Bedford Borough Council will be working with businesses, making access available during the summer closure. There will be changes to the layout of some markets and these will be signposted on-site and through social media.
This phase of the work is due to be completed by the end of August. On reopening, the south side of St Paul’s Square will be permanently reduced to a single lane of traffic. This will create more space and improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
Once the works are completed, traffic coming around the south of St Paul’s Square will be able to access the market collection bays opposite the Corn Exchange, disabled parking bays in Mayes Yard and the High Street, via the mini roundabout at the entrance to the Harpur Centre car park.
The project has already seen the transformation of Harpur Square. The repaving and removal of plinths have created a larger, more flexible public space for community events and activities, such as the Christmas lights switch-on. This has improved the area for future events, with enhanced lighting, access to utilities, and a flagpole for community celebrations.
Bedford Borough Council recognises that these works will at times impact access to the Old Town Hall, however, ceremonies will still be able to go ahead. The council understands those with existing bookings for ceremonies will have concerns and will be contacting them directly in the next few weeks.
Councillor Spice continued “We look forward to sharing updates. While the works progress, we encourage residents and visitors to continue to visit the amazing markets and businesses in and around St Paul’s Square.”
In the build up to these projects, public engagement events have been held at various locations and times in Bedford town centre. The council teams have been able to speak to people, discuss the plans and listen to feedback. Further information on the Towns Fund projects, including a map of the St Paul’s Square project plan, can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/Towns-Fund-Projects
Information about current and planned roadworks in Bedford Borough can be found at www.bedford.gov.uk/Roadworks
