The Bideford Regeneration Board launched its Regeneration Strategy on Thursday 27 March at an event for key regional and national strategic partners, business leaders and local representatives at the Royal Hotel in Bideford. Attendees learned about how the new Masterplan will set out to benefit the town and how people can get involved to help make it happen.
Originally formed back in 2022 to support the town as it emerged from Covid, the Board, made up of volunteers, has been at the forefront of a number of initiatives. In 2025, after an open call for new members, a new Board came together bringing skills in strategy development, finance, governance, marketing, education and place-making, to complement the strategic partners of Bideford Town Council, Torridge District Council, Devon County Council, Bideford Bridge Trust, The Burton at Bideford and TTVS.
That new board has set itself a clear mission which is presented through the Bideford Regeneration Strategy 2026 – 2031 and which this masterplan is at the heart of delivering. Its key aims are:
To regenerate Bideford, working with partners, including the private sector, to boost skills, housing and higher-paid, meaningful employment that inspires and retains our local talent.
To create leadership and make things happen whilst also being committed to ongoing wider engagement and openness.
To cherish and promote heritage but make it future looking, finding new purposes for old buildings and spaces to bring pride and energy to the town.
To work together to create a healthy and thriving place and community.
To allow the character of the town to come to the fore, through arts, culture, heritage and creativity to bring fun, learning and interest into people’s lives.
Clare Coghill, Chair of the Bideford Regeneration Board, said:
“We are delighted that so many people came along today. This launch event is all about spreading the word and starting to get more people to get involved in delivery of these ambitious plans. We know that there are loads of people out there with skills to offer and we want to make sure they know how they can get involved.
This is an exciting time for the town. The regional development of clean energy and maritime-related industries along with agritech opportunities provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for Bideford. This spatial masterplan seeks to provide clear frameworks and ambitions to enable the development of projects to support these core needs and address known challenges.
“National governments do not fund local government, community groups, schools and businesses in the way that they once did, so every penny needs to count, and we need to galvanise as many people as possible. From the recent refurbishment of the stunning fountain through to a public art programme led by young people and exciting artists, the works moving forward at Brunswick Wharf through to exciting new retail and hospitality openings there really is a lot to celebrate and get excited about. We want that community spirit to be reinvigorated and for the town to find its confidence. Working together we have a lot to celebrate and get excited about”.
If you think you can help, please read the masterplan and strategy at Regenerating Bideford | Discover Bideford. To get involved and shape the future of your town fill in the form here and tell us where you can help: Get involved and shape the future of your town – Fill in form
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