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 301,500 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 maximize 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 that is the envy of many other areas.
Central Bedfordshire is a popular place to live and as such has a growing population.
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 councils to meet the needs of the existing and future communities.