Council launches plan to boost footfall and trade in Biggleswade town centre
Biggleswade town centre - Credit: Archant
A new commercial plan is being developed to boost business in Biggleswade town centre in the hope it can better serve the needs of the fast growing town and fend off competition from online retail and out of town developments.
The scheme is being drawn up by council officers after it was called for by members of Biggleswade Town Council, and Central Beds Council through the joint Biggleswade area committee.
Its aim is to improve the visitor experience, boost jobs and increase footfall to shops and business.
A spokesman for Central Beds council said: “With the development of Kings Reach to the east, the expansion of retail at London Road retail park and the new jobs being created at Stratton Business Park, the town is in a period of change.
“Recognising this, the council is seeking to maximise these opportunities while addressing the challenges of an increasing population, such as providing the necessary capacity in local schools.
“The Commercial Plan is part of ensuring the benefits of growth are sustainable and felt by all.
“It will help develop and deliver activities that will improve the overall health of the town centre and this will mean a better town centre experience, which will impact positively on footfall to local businesses and jobs.”
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The council has contracted the Mosaic Partnership – a consultancy with specialist knowledge and expertise in relation to the development of town centres – to help it develop the Commercial Plan.
The consultation work will be completed over the coming weeks.
Jason Longhurst, Central Bedfordshire Council’s director for regeneration and business, said: “We recognise that all town centres need to adapt and diversify so that, rather than compete with new and emerging shopping opportunities, they can offer something different that consumers can’t get anywhere else.”
Town centre businesses interested in contributing to the plan can contact the council’s project manager Sam Caldbeck by emailing samuel.caldbeck@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
