Inspiration – thriving places
There are a number of places within the UK and beyond that have developed a positive identity, with residents proud to say they are from there. Here are just some of the places and ideas that might help us define approaches that will make Central Bedfordshire renowned for doing things better.
Mini Holland – Waltham Forest
The London Borough of Waltham Forest has been implementing a ‘Mini Holland’ cycling programme to deliver a step change in the borough’s cycling infrastructure. The aim is to make cycling a more enjoyable and safe way of getting around. This has meant improving routes and connections between centres as well as re-thinking how streets are orientated to put pedestrians and cyclists first. Research shows that, since the scheme was implemented, more people in Waltham Forest are cycling, with the scheme’s goal to get 100% of the population making 1 in 10 journeys by bicycle.
Derbyshire Visitor Economy
Derbyshire County Council is working with Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire and partner authorities to develop the county’s visitor economy by boosting the capacity, quality and identity of individual towns as part of wider destination management and place branding. Inspired by the Peak District is a location-based branding initiative that seeks to raise the profile of locally produced products and services and promote the area as a great place to do business.
Roof tax to invest in infrastructure – Milton Keynes Partnership
In the mid-2000s, the Milton Keynes Partnership Committee established a ‘roof tax’ on new homes to pay for supporting infrastructure. The levy took the form of £18,500 for each house completed, and £66 per sq ft of commercial real estate. The scheme provided a stable revenue stream for developing local infrastructure, reduced the need for complex S106 negotiations, and attracted further investment by limiting delays and fostering confidence that the infrastructure would be delivered.
Robot Delivery Services – Milton Keynes
The world’s first robot delivery service has successfully launched in Milton Keynes. Parcels, groceries and food are directly delivered from warehouses by small, self-driving robots. Orders are placed and tracked via a mobile app. The scheme, operating from the Co-op’s Monkston warehouse, has made over 50,000 deliveries since its inception. It is expanding through partnerships with delivery platforms like JustEat. The electric-powered robots help reduce air pollution and traffic.
Overcoming connection barriers – GoSutton
GoSutton is a TfL-funded on-demand bus service that lets customers request a ride, select pick-up and drop-off points, and pay through a mobile app. The service matches multiple passengers heading in the same direction onto a shared bus. Fares average £2–£3 for a single rider. All vehicles are wheelchair accessible, and concessionary pass holders ride for free — ensuring inclusivity.
North of Tyne Combined Authority Branding
In the North East of England, Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland councils have created the UK’s newest Combined Authority. Their devolution deal promotes cross-boundary collaboration to improve outcomes for 880,000 residents. A new brand, including a North of Tyne logotype and the tagline “Home of Ambition,” raises the region’s profile, supports inward investment and communicates the authority’s long-term vision.