Our contractors have started work on the next phases of the Dunstable High Street regeneration project.

New ‘future-proofed’ streetlights are being installed, not only much more in keeping with a high street context, but also with smart technology and the capacity to be retrofitted as electric vehicle charging points.

The now considerably broader pavements, where we have narrowed the roads, will be paved with honey-coloured ‘Saxon’ paving, the existing planters will be re-clad and new benches and other street furniture installed along with new road surfaces, signage and street markings.

The road surfaces will be replaced and laid out with new markings along with new signs and a cycle path. Drainage will be improved, trees planted, and the existing planters will be re-clad and planted with ‘rain gardens’ – all measures designed to prevent future flooding.

As part of our commitment to sustainable transport, new cycle parking will be introduced near Argos, as well as seating and the installation of electrical vehicle charging points at the parking bays near the clock tower.

The existing crossing near Albion Street will be removed and replaced with a combined cycle and pedestrian toucan crossing installed at the Queensway junction with the High Street.

A traffic-calming raised table will be installed at the junction of Queensway, High Street and Manchester Place, with new traffic signals installed as the junction is reconfigured.

We're also working on the detailed design for further work on the Dunstable High Street project.

Councillor Nigel Young, our Executive Member for Highways Delivery and Innovation, said:

These works represent yet another major step towards making the High Street a vibrant living space which all can enjoy.

The work is being funded by the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership with money from the Local Growth Fund.