Last week Bedfordshire on Sunday commented on the Riverside North development and how we agreed that we don’t want a hotel group and cinema chain deciding the ‘one-size’ fits all design. We asked for your views and a number of you got in touch sparking further debate.
Here is a flavour of the comments . . .
Artist thelma Marks from Bedford concurred with all that had been written by historian and conservationist Richard Wildman and on our front page.
She said the site offers ‘the greatest opportunity’ for the town to bring new life and prosperity.
Mrs Marks spoke about how when the Bedford and Milton Keynes Waterway eventually arrives it would open the town up to the Midlands and holidaymakers. She went on to make a number of suggestions for debate including: An attractive and welcoming quayside, with electric charging points for the boaters necessary 21st century gismos, (bringing in an income.) An appropriate tree planting and landscape for the immediate riverside with a small amount of green grass, to bring shade and a congenial atmosphere.
Think of Paris and the river Seine, create a small area for portable booths, where artists can sell their pictures.
Create a welcoming atmosphere, for it is the treatment of the riverside at the back of Borough Hall, which currently lets it down.
Beside the river, use tarmac and gravel for paths and not concrete.
Linda Wilding, also from Bedford, said she couldn’t agree more that the development needs to be special adding that the build needed to be in keeping with the ‘old’ architecture.
She said: “When will they learn that we aren’t MK, can’t be MK, don’t want to be MK. Let’s have a competition with the ratepayers voting. If not we might as well let what’s there stay, at least the colour of the stone blends in.” Jane Lanz of The Grove, Bedford, commented: “Hurray for your editorial comment on the Riverside North development.
I agree with every word. A competition is an excellent idea - a reproduction of soulless Milton Keynes is to be avoided at all costs.” A number of our readers also questioned the need for two cinema complexes in the town (with one already at Aspects Leisure Park). Elizabeth Lambert of Shakespeare Road, Bedford, said: “I know there used to be four or five cinemas in the town but that was when they only had a single screen. The complex on Newham Avenue already has planning permission for a further four screens and is never fully utilised unless a ‘blockbuster’ comes to town. Would it not make more sense to build a theatre on the space left vacant by the demolition of the Town Hall?” But another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said he thought it’d be great to have a cinema in the town centre.
He remained doubtful that Bedford could upkeep a ‘betterlooking impression’ than the artist’s impression adding: “I’ve been in Bedford for more than ten years now and the town centre keeps depreciating instead of appreciating its standards.” And while commending our support for a different train of thought Les Austin of Poplar Avenue, bedford, remained cynical as to whether it would affect the development.
He said: “We have inherited a legacy of dreariness left by unimaginative architects and pedantic town councils.
“In Bedford, the proposed demolition of the town hall block is to be commended, as is BoS support for a replacement scheme with structures of quality and artistic flair.
“However, if post-war urban development is any yardstick - the Castle Quay area is the latest squandered opportunity - I fear that your support will bear little fruit.” Like our readers we care very much about our town and its future development.
Keep sending us your important views and let’s see where it’ll get us. . .
Email editor@bedsonsunday.com
We asked the council for its views on the regeneration, here's a look at what it said...
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Dave Hodgson, said: “The Riverside North project is set to deliver real regeneration to Bedford Town Centre, bringing new life and vibrancy to that area of the riverside. When complete, it will include a new town centre cinema, a hotel, leisure, retail and residential units, and the removal of existing office blocks including the large Town Hall block.
“Coplan/Denne Construction/PRP were appointed as the preferred developer for the project by an all-party selection jury after they impressed with their commitment to working with local people to produce a scheme which will attract people into Bedford while making the most of the excellent town centre riverside location.
“Coplan/Denne Construction/PRP are currently working on the scheme and a full public consultation will follow to allow all residents to have their say as plans for the development take shape.
“With this approach in place I look forward to hearing local views, ideas and aspirations for this exciting project as we work together to deliver the town centre regeneration that Bedford needs and deserves.”
