Residents, businesses, and road users are being reminded of a temporary road closure at St Paul’s Square, Bedford, which may affect access to nearby homes, shops, and services.
This closure is part of the ongoing public realm improvement works, which are being delivered with Government investment to revitalise this important area of the town centre. This project is funded through the Bedford Town Deal, a £22.6 million government investment aimed at revitalising Bedford town centre. The Town Deal is a partnership between the Government, Bedford Borough Council, and the Bedford Town Deal Board, working together to deliver a shared vision for the town’s future.
Samantha Laycock, Chair of the Bedford Town Deal Board, said: “This project is a key part of our vision to transform Bedford town centre into a more attractive, accessible, and people-focused place. The improvements to St Paul’s Square will not only enhance the look and feel of this historic space but also support local businesses and encourage more people to spend time in the town. We’re pleased to see the investment from the Town Deal being put into action and thank everyone for their patience while these important works take place.”
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity, said: “We’re working to create a more welcoming and sustainable town centre. While this phase of the project involves some short-term disruption, we’re doing everything we can to minimise the impact and make sure people are kept informed throughout the works.”
To enable essential drainage and resurfacing work, the south side of St Paul’s Square will be closed to all vehicles 24 hours a day from Wednesday 23rd July to Friday 29th August 2025. The closure will be in place from the junction with the High Street to Horne Lane.
Access for pedestrians will be maintained at all times, although temporary walkways or short diversions may be required depending on the location of work.
During the closure, diversion routes will be clearly signposted. For road traffic, during the closure diversion routes will be in place, as follows:
· Traffic approaching from the High Street will divert via St Mary’s Street → St John’s Street → Kingsway → Cauldwell Street → Prebend Street
· Traffic approaching from Cauldwell Street will divert either via Prebend Street (as above) or St Mary’s Street → The Embankment → Newnham Street → St Cuthberts Street → St Peter’s Street → Dame Alice Street → Bromham Road
During the road closure access for residents and businesses will be via River Street and Horne Lane. Note that all traffic will be permitted to use the Horne Lane bus lane while the road closure is in place. During the closure bus services will still be alighting at the stops adjacent to the Corn Exchange, but services approaching from the south will be diverted to the Bus Station via Prebend Street.
The Council is working closely with its waste collection teams to ensure bin collections are not affected. Site representatives are also in direct contact with affected residents and businesses to ensure individual access requirements are addressed.
Signs will be placed at either end of the works site with the most up-to-date information, and any changes to the programme will be communicated clearly.
A list of frequently asked questions is available, and residents can contact the Highways Helpdesk on 01234 718003 or email highways.helpdesk@bedford.gov.uk for further assistance.
Public engagement events were held earlier this year across Bedford town centre to give people a chance to view the plans, share their feedback, and ask questions. Further information about the St Paul’s Square project, including a detailed map, can be found at: www.bedford.gov.uk/Towns-Fund-Projects
Information on all current and planned roadworks across Bedford Borough is available at: www.roadworks.org