Stalled town regeneration project gets cash injection

WORK to spruce up Bedford Square in Loughborough is set to continue after a fresh wave of funding was pumped into the scheme.

The regeneration efforts, called the Bedford Square Gateway Project, have already led to a series of improvements to areas of Loughborough town centre.

But the planned spruce up of the south side of the square was put on hold as there wasn’t enough cash in the pot.

However, that work can now go ahead after an injection of millions of pounds was secured.

Through the use of the Loughborough Town Deal, worth up to nearly £17 million, the newest phase of work will focus on the south side of Bedford Square.

It is one of 11 projects around the town to benefit from the funds, with £3.8 million of the town fund being spent on this scheme.

Dr Nik Kotecha, pictured, co-chair of the Loughborough Town Deal board, said: “This is a significant regeneration scheme for the town centre and will make the areas of Bedford Square, Devonshire Square and Ward’s End significantly better for visitors and therefore the businesses in them.

“More exciting projects are on the way thanks to the Loughborough Town Deal.”

The revamp of Bedford Square began earlier this year with the widening of footpaths and new paving to fit in with the area’s character and heritage.

Now, the newest funds will see high-quality paving added around the Bedford Square South car park area and to businesses on the south side of the square.

This work will encompass the front of the post office around to the junction with Southfield Road.

A new car park entrance will be created in the road which links Southfields Road and Woodgate.

Councillor Jonathan Morgan, leader of Charnwood Borough Council and co-chair of Loughborough Town Deal, said: “A significant part of the work has been completed and it is really starting to take shape.

“We are really pleased that we can add back in this phase of work to the project and without the Loughborough Town Deal funding, it would not have been possible.

“This council has made a significant investment into the town centre through this project to support local businesses and make Loughborough a better place to visit.”

The project is due to be completed in the spring.