Central Bedfordshire – a great place
Central Bedfordshire is a unitary authority area in Bedfordshire, England.
Our area vision is to make Central Bedfordshire 'A great place to live and work’.
Central Bedfordshire is home to 294,300 people, living in picturesque villages, hamlets and vibrant market towns steeped in history.
With the A1 and M1 running through the area, three main rail lines and two international airports, Luton and Stansted, on our doorstep, our strategic location provides us with great opportunities. We are only 35 minutes from London, but without the inner-city challenges and pressures. As well as being close to London, our position between the key locations of Oxford and Cambridge means we are well- placed to maximise the local potential of regional and national ambitions for growth in the east-west corridor. We’re actively involved with partners across the region in pursuit of these.
Central Bedfordshire already benefits from a collection of world-class innovation assets. These include Cranfield University, Millbrook Proving Ground, and internationally renowned manufacturers, supported by a network of innovative small and micro businesses.
Residents and visitors also benefit from our outstanding natural capital, including access to areas of special interest and beauty in Greensand Country and the Chilterns. This contributes to a standard of living which is the envy of many other areas.
Central Bedfordshire is a popular place to live and as such has a growing population. The 2021 Census data shows a growth rate since 2011 of 15.7% in Central Bedfordshire compared to 6.6% nationally. We are one of the top ten fastest district/unitary authority areas of growth in the country.
The area is generally prosperous, with above average levels of employment. However, there are pockets of deprivation and greater need in some areas.
All of this means our residents need great services and forward looking, ambitious council to meet the needs of the existing and future communities.