We developed a comprehensive socio-economic evidence base to guide regeneration in Bedford’s town centre, aligning with both national priorities and local ambitions. Our approach applied a ‘new lens’ to existing evidence, combining demographic and Real Time Industrial Classification sector analysis and comparator benchmarking. We challenged existing methodologies by integrating traditional and emerging sectoral analysis as well as assessing deliverability across several fragmented sites in the town centre. Our recommendations have helped shape strategic priorities for investment, including the academic quarter, creative cluster and wider land coordination strategy. This work is now being used to inform future town centre interventions, cross-body partnerships, and the Council’s strategic positioning within the Ox-Cam Growth Corridor.