COUNCIL NEWS

Church Square Regeneration Phase II

19 July 2008
Public Relations
Work has begun on the second stage of the transformation of Church Square in Bedford.

The area, also known locally as Pigeon Square, is being improved as part of the councils “Reclaiming the Streets” initiative which is designed to regenerate open spaces in the town. Areas that have already benefited from the initiative include Lime Street and Harpur Street. It’s intended that once work is completed Church Square will become an exciting high profile public square providing a key gateway into the town centre.

This week saw work commence with construction of safety fencing to allow further work to commence and the removal of existing seating which will be replaced. Amongst the schemes improvements will be:

The installation of natural stone aggregate finish paving incorporating selected artefact motifs depicting Bedford’s history. It is planned to integrate the fountain by echoing its shape and layout within the new paving;
The provision of new seating with LED up-lighting and additional lighting columns in the square;
Removal of the existing planters;
The provision of new specimen tree planting in specially constructed tree pits;
Lighting projections on existing building facades (subject to consent of the owners) and a scheme design to accommodate the future provision of banners on buildings to advertise local celebrations or events.

Trevor Roff, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “Church Square is an important public open space and lies at the heart of the pedestrianised zone of the town centre. The rationale of Church Square is to create an attractive multifunctional space to enable visitors to use and enjoy the area and its activities. By day the main focus will be the central fountain set within the paving and by night the space will be transformed by coloured up-lighters emphasising the main features of the square. Seasonal entertainment within the Square would add interest and vibrancy”.

The work, which is being carried out by Danaher and Walsh Ltd on behalf of the council, is expected to be completed by early November. The scheme has been designed by the Council’s Bedford Design Group.