Bideford town centre regeneration plan backed by council
This month’s Full Council meeting in Torridge saw councillors give their full support to a bid for funding from the Governments £4.8 billion “Levelling up Fund� announced in the budget in March.  The fund is designed to support town centre and hi
This month’s Full Council meeting in Torridge saw councillors give their full support to a bid for funding from the Governments £4.8 billion “Levelling up Fundâ€� announced in the budget in March. Â
The fund is designed to support town centre and high street regeneration, local transport projects, as well as cultural and heritage assets.
The preparation of the bid has already seen communities, businesses and trade organisations work together in what is seen as a once in a generation chance to unlock the potential of Bideford’s town centre as a unique experience for working, living and entertainment.
The redevelopment will result in a mixed-use site offering commercial, residential, and community spaces as well as the flexibility for other activities such as markets, celebrations or artistic events.
This will create an interlinked complex of vibrant workspaces, a Community Hub working in partnership with One Northern Devon (a branch of the NHS), TTVS and 361 Energy, a cultural anchor, street food and micro-breweries and a range of open spaces– all under the working title of “Isaac’s Yard�.
The plans also encompass a number of architecturally important buildings whose features will be preserved, enhanced and celebrated.
The council have teamed up with igloo Regeneration, a multi-award winning BCorp who have just been successful in the industry’s cutting edge RIBA Home of 2030 challenge.
Igloo will assist with the project through to the full planning stage, which is expected to conclude in Spring 2022.
Councillor Bob Hicks – Lead Member for the Economy said: “This is another important milestone in the realisation of this project, which has at its foundation a package of sustainable community, climate, and wellbeing benefits that will also be a huge boost to the economic recovery of the area. Â
“The partnership with Igloo brings national expertise to the task but for the benefit of our locality and our officers and partner organisations deserve credit for the excellent work already undertaken to reach this stage.�
To find out more please go to www.bidforbideford.co.uk and also get involved on the “Isaac’s Yard- A Bid for Bideford� Facebook page.