Further work is well underway as part of Bedford Borough’s High Street Heritage Action Zone (HSHAZ) building works.

Repairs to Goldings on Bedford High Street will deliver a reinstatement of the traditional shopfront and iconic lettering on the façade of the building.

This will include repairs to the second-floor window, reinstatement of the window on the first floor, a renewed colour scheme for the renowned painted letters on the front façade and installation of bespoke traditional gold 3D lettering above the fascia.

The project was made possible with the support of the property’s owner, his designer and contractor who worked closely with the Council’s HSHAZ team.

Councillor Henry Vann, Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, said: “It has been so exciting to see the scaffolding go up on this next High Street Heritage Action Zone scheme and I can’t wait to see the scaffolding come down on the iconic Goldings building, uncovering the beautiful restoration. Like many Bedfordians this building has been an immovable part of my life. These restoration works are part of a wide-ranging programme that is helping breathe new life back into the High Street, while maintaining the original historic features.”

Judith Barker, Director of Programmes and Governance at SEMLEP, said: “SEMLEP are pleased to be a member of the High Street Heritage Action Zone and ensure that the funds we invested in the streetscape and along the high street in 2020 are being enhanced by these restoration projects. Making places attractive to live and work is key to the future of our town centres.”

Tony Calladine, East of England Regional Director, Historic England, said: “It’s wonderful to see restoration work moving on apace in the Bedford High Street Heritage Action Zone. I’m pleased to see that local business owners are really engaging with the scheme and taking the opportunity to revitalise the historic character of their buildings which locals , shoppers and visitors will enjoy. I’m looking forward to seeing the completed Goldings building and how it transforms the town centre for local people.”

The works are expected to be finished before the end of the calendar year.

There are a number of other premises on Bedford High Street that are in the pipeline to receive grant funding for further building works as part of the HSHAZ scheme, with announcements and additional details expected to follow.

Property owners on Bedford High Street can still sign-up to take part in the scheme by emailing Jessica Mittler, HSHAZ Project Manager, for an informal conversation: jessica.mittler@bedford.gov.uk.