Housing and town centre regeneration in Bedford has been given a boost after planning approval was given for a range of major schemes which together will create over 700 new homes.

Riverside Square will provide 149 new apartments, retail and restaurant units and a foot/cycle bridge. Town centre regeneration was given a further lift by the approval of a residential scheme of 76 flats which will transform a former car show room site at the gateway to the High Street.

Church Lane Neighbourhood Centre in Goldington will be given a "twenty first century makeover" to help regenerate the local area. Backed by £1.9 million of Government funding the new development will include new shopping opportunities, 71 new apartments, a new community centre and a medical centre.

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A further development of 425 new homes to the rear of No.1 airship shed at Cardington will provide major finance to restore this listed building. The housing scheme will include an interpretation park in the shape of a R101 in memory of the airship.

David Bailey, Head of Planning and Housing Services at Bedford Borough Council said: "Bedford is committed to growth. These decisions and others taken recently release a massive scale of opportunity for house builders and the development industry generally."

Trevor Roff, Head of Economic Development and Regeneration at Bedford Borough Council added: "There is no doubt that significant investment is required and, in response, the Council has promoted mixed use schemes on key sites that now have the potential to achieve a more secure future for important local facilities in a way that has a real benefit to the community."

(NS/JM)