Questions critical to the future of Bedford Town Centre were asked and answered at a business breakfast hosted by the BedfordBID.

Exclusively for businesses in the BID zone, the event at the Bedford Swan Hotel on Wednesday March 25th was the latest in a regular series of such events.

The Mayor of Bedford, a council traffic management expert and the developer of Riverside North were there to ask questions.

Riverside North Key Facts: 

*Wagamama's have signed a 20 year lease. Carluccio's refused offer to take a venue. A wide range of big name names have been approached and interest continues.

*The areas will have 2 public squares, a mix of private and social housing/flats.

*A footbridge will be built across to St Mary's Gardens on the Southbank of the river.  NOT to be confused with plans for Batts Ford Road bridge which could run between Borough Hall and Bedford College. Via this footbridge people can access car parking at Borough Hall and Prebend Street.

*Riverside North will include 50 public parking spaces which will be managed by the council. Flats will have their own parking. Other parking will be at River Street car park which is open 24 hours now.

*Riverside North will bring 500,000 visitors into town each year.

*70% of trade or visitors will be made during the evening at Riverside North

Town Centre Parking:

2 hours FREE parking on Saturday has influenced people's parking habits, said traffic management expert from council.

This subsidy costs £800,000 a year said Mayor.

Some people do a 2 hour dash to get back to car park in time to avoid paying for 3rd hour. But FREE parking IS an attraction to those who want to pop and shop.