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Major gateway junction to get makeover in new year

Martin HeathBedfordshire political reporter
News imageBedford Borough Council Shot from above of a roundabout covered in grass, with a sculpture in the centre. There are cars going round the roundabout. There is a six-storey building on the far side of the roundabout, and smaller buildings to the left.Bedford Borough Council
The roundabout will disappear to be replaced by traffic lights and narrower roads

A major junction will get a makeover in the new year as part of a project to revitalise Bedford town centre.

The Greyfriars Junction will be improved as part of a £22.6m government investment in the town, Bedford Borough Council said.

A sculpture commemorating Italian settlers, which is currently on a roundabout at the junction, will be relocated.

Andrea Spice, the council's portfolio holder for economic growth, planning and prosperity, said the changes would "enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives, works or visits here".

News imageBedford Borough Council A road with a three-storey shop and living space development to the left and right, and tower blocks in the background. There is also a tree between the flats and the tower blocks. It is sunny and there is no traffic on the road.Bedford Borough Council
The project will also regenerate the area between the roundabout and Midland Road

The redesign of the junction is part of the Transporting Bedford 2030 project, which aimed to improve the links between Bedford Station and the town centre.

Work will start in January with the removal of the roundabout, the council said.

A sculpture of Italian immigrants carrying suitcases, which was donated by Bedford's Italian community in 2009 to celebrate those that came to live in the town after World War Two, is currently located on the roundabout and the council has said a "new, suitable location" will be found for it.

Kerb lines, footways and cycle tracks will be added between March and October, with new islands being installed during the school summer holidays.

The council said the only road closure needed will be at the final stage of the project when the road is resurfaced in the autumn next year.

The work is expected to last until November.

News imageThomas Nugent/Geograph Sculpture, apparently in bronze, showing a family carrying large suitcases. The work is surrounded by metal fencing. Pedestrians and cars are visible behind the structure.Thomas Nugent/Geograph
The council says it will find a new home for the Italian settlers statue, pictured before it was moved to the roundabout

The cost of the project will be covered by the £22.6m Town Deal agreed with the government to revitalise the town centre.

Bedfordshire Police has also contributed £250,000 to the project, which would create space for the development of the old police station site next to the roundabout.

News imageNicola Haseler/BBC Andrea Spice with medium-length dark hair, wearing a blue and white top and pink lanyard, smiling at the camera. A town street is visible behind her, with some road cones alongside the road.Nicola Haseler/BBC
Andrea Spice says the work will improve a key approach to the town centre

Spice added: "By improving this key approach to our town centre, we will be continuing to make Bedford a safer, more accessible, and better-connected town.

"These changes support our local economy and enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives, works, or visits here."

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