The aim of Bedford High Street – Back in Business is to ensure the long term preservation of the historic Bedford High Street area. This includes structural repairs, restoration of traditional shop fronts, reinstatement of lost architectural details and by bringing upper floors above the shops back into use.

Eleven buildings have been identified as top priority for restoration, with a further 53 on a reserve list. The project is also providing education and training for local people in heritage skills, heritage interpretation, events, educational and community activities.

Shop owners, tenants, contractors, students and the general public have been offered training in heritage construction and maintenance skills and a new NVQ in Heritage Construction Skills, via Bedford College. 

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “These restored shop fronts look fantastic and reveal the impact that this heritage-based regeneration project will have on Bedford High Street. It is great to see the results being achieved by local businesses using our High Street THI project.”