Page 31 - Market Times April 2024

FEATURE • BEDFORD
31
Zhi Yong Ye is one of a growing number of street food businesses on the market
Dan Falemara sells samosas on the market
Andreas Zacharia is one of a number of traders selling fashion on Bedford market
with 19 chickens after the war and although the family no longer keeps chickens, they do well selling eggs from local farms.
“Customers come and go but we have always done pretty well on this market after all these years,” Joan said.
And the markets team is hopeful that it
will continue to flourish and grow as £20 million of investment feeds into the local economy. A £3 million chunk of this Government Town Deal funding is earmarked for improvements to the market place and the events square.
The town is also waiting with baited breath for the final decision on a major investment by Universal Studios nearby.
This could create a wave of jobs and investment in the area, boosting Bedford’s role as a destination town, with attractions including Woburn Safari Park and Center Parcs also on its doorstep.
FACTS & FIGURES
l Market days: Wednesdays and Saturdays, although a handful of traders set up stall on other weekdays. There is a craft market on the second Saturday of the month and flea market on the second Sunday, except in winter
l Market rent: From £18 to £40 a day for a 10 by 10 pitch
l Bedford’s claim to fame: once a centre for lace, Bedford became an engineer- ing hub and was home to the London Brick Company. In addition, the town gave its name to the Bedford van manufactured by Vauxhall in the town. These days logistics are important thanks to its location near major motorways and north- west of London. The town is one of the most ethnically diverse in the country.
n