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THE CASTLE QUARTER NOVEMBER 2014 — 5
Work has started on St Paul’s Square
WorK is well underway to restore derelict buildings on st Paul’s square to their former glory and provide much-needed affordable town centre housing for local people. The buildings have been left empty and unused for around 40 years. however, this project will restore the outside as well as refurbishing the inside, creating ten new affordable flats for local people and regenerating an important part of the town centre. The works are being delivered by Aldwyck housing Group, supported by funding from the homes and communities Agency (hcA), Bedford Borough council and grant funding from Bedford high street’s Townscape heritage initiative (Thi). The buildings have a rich history: 1. St Paul’s Square was built in the 16th century and has been used as an inn, a home, auction house, stockbrokers and most recently the county architect’s office 2-3. St Paul’s Square were built in the 18th century 4. St Paul’s Square was the last of the terrace to be built as the vicarage to St Paul’s Church. All of the buildings trace elements of Bedford’s social and commercial history and 1 – 3 st Paul’s square are Grade ii listed because of their high heritage significance. The council’s archaeology team has commissioned the recording of the timber frame structure of 1 st Paul’s square and english heritage will be
council is stepping up its efforts to bring all empty homes back into use and tackling such prominent and historically important buildings is a vital contribution to this. Keith edwards, head of Development and new Business at Aldwyck housing Group, said: “Aldwyck are delighted to have begun the regenThe Bedford Forum held it’s inaugural eration at st Paul’s square, Bedford. The project meeting last month. has shown real partnership working with a variety This fledgling pressure group is unhappy of agencies including Bedford Borough council, at the manner in which planning Ministry of Justice and the hcA. All parties have permission was granted for the Riverside worked together and identified appropriate fundNorth Development and other issues ing to ensure the project can move forward. have been identified. The Forum has “This project demonstrates Aldwyck’s comissued this draft mission statement: mitment to Bedford with significant investment in the town here and through new affordable homes “Our mission is to consult the at Westford Village and shows we are willing to diverse groups in Bedford via this Forum and to generate a consensus tackle difficult and complex projects. on a way forward for the town. Our “We are extremely thankful to all the agencies aim then, is to mobilise the copious who have worked with us to ensure the project talents of the citizens of Bedford, proceeds. The project will provide much-needed and to help these talents to be used affordable homes for rent within the town centre.” to develop a thriving The works are being carried out by a local Borough with a strong vision and a building firm, Ve Parrott (oakley) Ltd. clear character.” To facilitate the development, Aldwyck If you wish to comment please email: housing Group has been permitted to use the forinfo@bedfordforum.org mer bank site next to the town bridge. This area has been fenced off during the construction works. The cycle and motorcycle parking will not also hoped that bringing them back into use will be available during the works but maps have been help to bring further growth and development to displayed showing the location of alternative the southern end of high street. in addition, the parking areas. Access to the river is unaffected.
dating a number of the historic timbers, offering the opportunity to learn more about this fascinating building. The buildings play a key part in Bedford high street and st Paul’s square’s ‘townscape’ and it is
WHAT’S ON
in n ovember & d ecember november december Wednesday 12 November
Roland and Kay welcome you to the Award Winning Castle Your traditional, village pub in the centre of town with 5 refurbished en-suite guest rooms, serving 7 cask ales, fresh coffee, fine wines and delicious home-cooked pub fayre
CH CHRISTMAS BOOKINGS now being taken Menu a available from 24 Nov to 24 Dec
2 Courses Co £15.95 - 3 Courses £19.95 Christ Christmas Buffets also available from £8.00 For or more m details; please see website or pop in for a menu
Steak and Gourmet Burger Night From 6.30pm. Booking advised
Thursday 20th November
Home-made Pie Night From 6.30pm. Booking advised
Sunday 7th December
Northern Soul & Motown Night with Geoff and Hammie from 8pm
TRADITIONAL SUNDAY LUNCH from 12 noon only - £7.95 Adults & £4.95 Children 17 NEWNHAM STREET, BEDFORD, BEDFORDSHIRE MK40 3JR T: 01234 353295 E: info@castlebedford.co.uk www.CastleBedford.co.uk ford.co.uk Castl CastleBedford