Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton has secured a truly game changing development that will bring new homes, leisure facilities, and a regional-scale water sports destination to Bedford River Valley Park.
This breakthrough is made possible through a robust Collaboration Agreement with neighbouring landowners and an Option Agreement with Bloor Homes Ltd, to unlock one of the most ambitious regeneration projects in the Borough’s recent memory, which will include:
- New modern homes
- A new primary school
- Two new watersports lakes with public access
- New walking and cycling routes that link the site to surrounding areas
Under the Option Agreement, all planning and promotion costs are covered by Bloor Homes, ensuring residents are protected from financial risks.
More importantly, the scheme also guarantees a significant capital receipt for the Council, demonstrating a shift toward a more self-sufficient, commercially minded authority rather than one dependent on the wallets of taxpayers.
Mayor for Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton commented,
“This is a huge win for Bedford Borough residents.
We are unlocking Bedford River Valley Park and delivering a once-in-a-generation development with new homes, new leisure facilities, a new school and incredible watersport facilities.
This Conservative administration is committed to securing investment, unlocking opportunity, and delivering for residents. This agreement achieves all three.”
Conservative Group Leader, Councillor Graeme Coombes commented,
“This is exactly the kind of bold and forward-thinking investment our Borough needs.
For 13.5 years residents were lumbered with a Liberal Democrat Mayor too afraid to take risks, making big promises but ultimately delivering very little.
That’s now changed, thanks to Mayor Tom and his Conservative Executive, we are seeing vision turn into reality with new homes, news schools and new leisure facilities, all secured without putting taxpayers at risk.
This development proves what can be achieved when we back ambition and work in partnership to get things done for the residents of Bedford Borough.”
