Central Bedfordshire Council is celebrating a successful year of delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), having invested over £3 million into local communities, businesses and skills development.

These government-backed initiatives are designed to boost local pride, improve life chances and drive economic growth across the UK and here in Central Bedfordshire, the results are already making a real difference.

As the lead authority, the Council has worked hard to ensure every pound of funding is put to good use - supporting projects that matter to residents and helping our towns and villages thrive.

2024/25 highlights
In the past year alone, £3.3 million was invested in projects tailored to local needs. Here are just a few of the standout achievements:

Town centre transformations
- Flitwick has completed the roof renovations to the new community hub at 3 Station Road, opened a Film Club at Flitwick Library and supported their 'Living Histories' project.

- Dunstable has delivered water fountains, solar benches, living pillars in the town centre, a new art installation in Middle Row, and completed an electrical upgrade for future events at Grove House Gardens. Dunstable Town Council allocated their revenue funds to run 'Calling Dunstable' - aimed to support performing arts organisations.

- Leighton Linslade has installed a series of benches and planters around Market Square and the high street and commissioned local artists to illustrate them. The Town Council also ran a series of 'Alive After Five' events to attract people into the town centre in the evenings.

- Biggleswade has renovated the suite of public toilets in Century House and are installing new tourist signage across the town. They have held a series of events in the town centre including the successful Wadefest.

- Houghton Regis has installed large planters outside All Saints View, as a further deterrent to parking on the path and are installing hanging baskets and planters in the town centre and purchased new Christmas lights. They have also commissioned a documentary called 'Houghton Regis:12,000 years in the making', due to be launched in the summer.

Community & culture
£427,553 was allocated to 16 community projects including:
- building renovations and improved access pathways to community halls
- new play park and sports installations
- upgrading theatre lighting and sound equipment
- providing new sensory equipment

5 cultural organisations received grants to enrich local arts and heritage

People and skills
- over 200 residents took part in training courses to enhance their skills and employment prospects
- more than 200 students earned green skills qualifications, supporting the region’s sustainability goals

Business boost
- over 1,000 local businesses received support to grow and innovate
- 1,065 businesses engaged, with 944 enrolled in the programme
- 12,923 hours of expert business support delivered
- including 670 rural businesses enrolled in tailored programmes
- 140 grants awarded

Councillor Tracey Wye, Executive Member for the UKSPF at Central Bedfordshire Council, said: “Securing every penny of available funding is vital to help our communities flourish. Thanks to the UKSPF, we’ve been able to support town centre improvements, community projects, and training opportunities that are already having a positive impact on people’s lives.

“It’s been a brilliant year- and we’re not stopping here. We’re continuing to work hard to bring even more investment into Central Bedfordshire in the year ahead. Watch this space!”

To find out more about the UKSPF and what’s planned for 2025/26, visit the website.