Great news, the government has approved our plans for the first phase of the £20 million Believe in Bedworth project, it has been announced.
The Chair of the Believe in Bedworth board, the Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council, and the local MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth said the project represented a huge shot in the arm for Bedworth, with exciting new projects now ready to be delivered.
After extensive consultation with more than 1,500 Bedworth residents, those surveyed identified four key priorities for the project:
- Feeling safe in the community — especially in Bedworth Town Centre — with action to reduce anti-social behaviour.
- More opportunities and places for young people, including social activities, learning, and better job prospects.
- More events and activities that bring the whole community together.
- A more vibrant, cleaner, greener Town Centre, with a wider range of shops and better support for local businesses.
Now the proposals have been signed off, local residents will soon start seeing the first phase of work taking place across the town.
Believe in Bedworth will be actively continuing to work with residents and community groups throughout the project, to bring the plans to life and work in partnership across Bedworth.
Major projects in the first phase of the plans for 2026/27 include:
- Improving the Town Centre by enhancing All Saints Square, repurposing the Covered Market for year-round events with the installation of a big screen, repairing the Almshouses fountain, and bringing vacant shops back into community use. The fund will also be used to enhance green spaces.
- Delivering a year-round events programme to increase footfall, support local businesses, and make the town centre safer and more welcoming for all ages.
- Upgrade key community assets, including the War Memorial site and Harbour Centre toilets, and create a fund for community groups and sports clubs.
- Expanding opportunities for young people and businesses through engagement programmes, holiday provision, skills and employment support, grants, loans, and mentoring for local enterprise and youth entrepreneurship.
The project is also exploring expanding further education and vocational training provision in the town centre, and launching a Believe in Bedworth Hub to provide access to support and services right in the heart of Bedworth.
Rachel Taylor MP, Labour MP for North Warwickshire and Bedworth, said:
“People in Bedworth have so much pride in the place they live, but I know how let down they feel about the state of our town after years of neglect and false promises under the last government. That’s why I’m so excited about the Believe in Bedworth project and its potential to transform our town.
“With a new leisure centre and market refurbishment already under way, local investment in childcare, schools, and GP surgeries, and this £20 million Believe in Bedworth funding, I am really excited to get stuck in with these transformative projects now our Labour government is investing in Bedworth again.”
Cllr Steve Hey, Labour Leader of Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council said:
“Our Labour council in Nuneaton and Bedworth is working hard to breathe new life into Bedworth, but for too long councils like ours have struggled under a system of ‘Westminster knows best’, when it’s local people who really know what’s best for their communities.
“The launch of the £20 million Believe in Bedworth programme and the unprecedented transfer of power to local leaders shows that we have a Labour government that is not only investing in Bedworth again, but who know that positive change happens when it is local people who are put in the driving seat.”
Bill Basra, Chair of the Believe in Bedworth board, said:
“Over the past six months the Believe in Bedworth board has heard from more than 1,500 local residents about the change they wanted to see in Bedworth. I know how much pride Bedworth residents have in our town, but that they want to see this money used to tackle antisocial behaviour and make our town centre a thriving focal point for everyone in our community.
“It’s an honour to be driving this change forward in Bedworth, and now the plans have been improved I am really looking forward to getting stuck in.”