The objective of the HSHAZ is to make the High Street a more attractive place for communities to live, work and enjoy leisure activities through the application of the following measures:

• Undertaking physical works to buildings; including repairs, reinstatement of lost architectural features and shop fronts. It will support the conversion of historic buildings for new uses to improve the quality of the shared space whilst emphasising the merit of the Conservation area.

• Facilitating cultural activities and events celebrating the history of the high street whilst giving local communities a key role in activities to decide what they want to see happening in their town centre and what sort of place they want it to become.

• Reducing the impact of traffic in the high street and improving the local environment to increase economic activities and footfall in the town centre as part of the ‘Transporting Bedford’ programme.

• Reducing the impact of traffic in the high street and improving the local environment to increase economic activities and footfall in the town centre as part of ‘Transporting Bedford’ programme. This is enabled through a number of infrastructure interventions, supported by Bedford Borough Council, South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) and BedfordBID – The local Business Improvement District (Love Bedford).