Town Deal - Project Updates

The Bedford Town Deal projects are funded by the UK Government. 

Dame Alice Street - Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure Project

Works on the Dame Alice Street Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure Project began on 28 July and are progressing on schedule, with completion expected in early November.

The scheme, funded through the Government’s Active Travel Fund and contributions from the Bedford Town Deal, is delivering improved pedestrian and cycling routes to support active and sustainable travel.

Most works are being carried out using lane closures and temporary traffic lights. However, please note the following road closures for resurfacing:

• Dame Alice Street:24-hour closure from 8pm on Saturday 25 October to 6am on Monday 27 October

• Dame Alice Street, Harpur Street, and Broadway: Night closures (8pm - 6am) from Monday 27 October to Sunday 2 November

Improvements are also being made to Harpur Street, including new blue badge parking spaces. This section remains closed 24 hours a day until the works are completed, with access maintained for residents and businesses.

St Paul’s Square Redevelopment

Work on the redevelopment of St Paul’s Square has continued to progress well and remains on schedule.

The project, which saw the southern side of St Paul’s Square (by the Magistrates’ Court) closed during the school summer holidays, was completed on schedule and the road reopened as planned on 29 August.

Since reopening, the team has moved on to the remaining footway works, which form part of the final phases of the public realm improvements. The project remains on track for completion by 9 December.

Thank you to local residents, businesses, and visitors for your continued patience and cooperation while these improvement works are completed.

New Planters Bring Colour and Fresh Scents to St Paul's Square

A touch of greenery has been added to St Paul’s Square with the installation of six new planters outside La Piazza cafe, planted with herbs to bring colour and a pleasant scent to the area.

The planters were installed by Bedford Borough Council staff with funding from the Bedford Town Deal.

Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning & Prosperity, was joined by Council staff and Libby Lionetti, owner of La Piazza, who all helped with the planting. Libby also added flowers to some of the planters and will continue to water and maintain them.

These additions form part of the Council’s wider commitment to creating a more vibrant, attractive, and welcoming town centre.

What's New in Our Town?

Bedford High Street is buzzing with new activity as three businesses recently opened their doors side by side, bringing fresh energy to the town centre.

Karak Chaii - Bringing People Together Over Chai

There is a new aroma wafting through Bedford’s High Street - the rich and spiced scent of karak chaii, a traditional South Asian tea. Karak Chaii Bedford opened its doors in August and serves authentic South Asian street food alongside its signature strong, slow-brewed chai. The menu celebrates the vibrant flavours of Pakistan and India, featuring freshly made dishes such as parathas, bun kebabs, halwa, and indulgent chaii desserts.

As franchise owners, Asad and Saqib Naveed were inspired by the brand’s mission to bring the traditional, community-style chai culture to the UK. They wanted to create a warm and welcoming space where people can gather, connect, and enjoy authentic chai and street food.

The cafe works with local suppliers to source fresh ingredients whenever possible, particularly dairy and vegetables. Asad and Saqib said; “Supporting local businesses is important to us, and we love being part of Bedford’s thriving food scene.”

They chose Bedford for its diversity and strong sense of community, believing it to be the perfect place to share the Karak Chaii experience.

Reflecting on their journey so far, they added, “The best part of running Karak Chaii Bedford is seeing people from all backgrounds come together over a cup of chai. It is more than just a cafe, it is a community hub.”

Customers can dine in, grab a takeaway, or order online through Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Karak Chaii is open from 8am-11pm, Tuesday to Sunday.

Visit them at 23 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1RY.

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Heavenly Desserts - A New Haven for Dessert Lovers on the High Street

Shortly before the aroma of freshly brewed chai arrived at Karak Chaii, Heavenly Desserts Bedford opened next door, bringing a luxurious dessert experience to Bedford High Street.

Part of a well-known chain established in 2008, Heavenly Desserts offers an indulgent menu of croffles, cookie dough, waffles, crepes, milk cakes, sundaes, and vegan-friendly options, all served in a modern and elegant setting.

Designed for everything from casual meetups and celebrations to late-night treats, the Bedford restaurant combines contemporary interiors with a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy something sweet.

Heavenly Desserts is open from 11am-11pm,  Monday to Sunday.

Visit them at 25-27 High Street, Bedford, MK40 1RY, and create the sweetest memories.

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Furniture Outlet Finds a New Home

The transformation of Bedford High Street continues, as Furniture Outlet has now settled into its new, larger home.

Opening around the same time as its new neighbours, Heavenly Desserts and Karak Chaii, Furniture Outlet relocated from its previous site to the former Wilko unit. The move gives the business a more central location and an expanded showroom to display its wide range of furniture and homeware.

Known for combining quality and value, Furniture Outlet offers a variety of stylish furnishings, from sofas and beds to dining sets and accessories, catering to different tastes and budgets.

Furniture Outlet is open Monday to Saturday from 10am-5pm, and 11am-4pm, on Sundays.

Visit them at 29-41 High Street, MK40 1RY, Bedford.

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