Dunstable has entered a period of civic and commercial expansion following the election of Independent Councillor Richard Attwell as the new town mayor on Monday, May 18, 2026.
Major new facility openings by Halfords and Greggs have also contributed to the town's growth.
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According to Dunstable Town Council official records, Councillor Attwell formally accepted the chains of office during the annual meeting at Grove House.
He succeeded the outgoing mayor, Councillor Sally Kimondo.
The newly elected mayor announced his governance will prioritize the enhancement of local community ties, supporting regional businesses, and championing civic well-being initiatives throughout his one-year term.
"It is a profound honour and a privilege to be elected as the town mayor of Dunstable.
I have always been proud to call this town my home, and I am eager to spend the coming year meeting the wonderful volunteers, organisations, and residents who make Dunstable so special.
My focus will be on ensuring our town remains a vibrant, inclusive, and thriving place for everyone, and I look forward to representing our community at the many wonderful events we have planned," said Richard Attwell, Mayor of Dunstable.
Mayor Attwell, who previously served as deputy mayor, highlighted the historical legacy of the town.
He noted its original 1131 Royal Charter and the 1864 charter from Queen Victoria currently housed in Grove House.
Halfords Opens New Training Academy
Concurrent with the civic transition, automotive retailer Halfords officially opened its new 4,000-square-foot training academy on High Street South on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
The facility aims to expand technical education and apprenticeship capacities.
The newly repurposed Dunstable Training Academy features a fully operational garage, an MOT bay, three vehicle ramps, and diagnostic tools.
It can train up to 500 technicians annually in advanced electric and hybrid vehicle systems.
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"As the automotive sector changes, technicians need increasingly advanced technical skills, from electric vehicle servicing to diagnostics and digital systems.
By investing in apprenticeships and practical training, we are helping to create high-quality career routes for young people while supporting the long-term skills needs of our business and the wider sector," said Henry Birch, Chief Executive Officer of Halfords Group plc.
The company currently supports 300 automotive apprentices nationwide, representing a significant increase from approximately 30 apprentices recorded in 2022.
"We are proud that our apprenticeship programme has grown so significantly in recent years, and we are keen to build on that progress.
Dunstable will help us provide more consistent, high-quality training and strengthen the link between technical education and real workplace experience," said Henry Birch.
Training provider Inspiro partnered with Halfords to facilitate the instructional programs at the dual-classroom facility. It has already enrolled 30 local apprentices this year.
Greggs Opens Modern Outlet
Adding to the local business developments, food retailer Greggs launched an expanded, modern outlet within the Quadrant Shopping Centre on Thursday, May 21, 2026.
The new location features indoor and outdoor seating options.
"We can't wait to welcome both Greggs fans and new customers to our brand-new shop.
We've got an amazing range of iconic savouries, Fairtrade hot drinks, hot food and healthier choices available for takeaway, sit-in or Click + Collect," said Nicola Rochester, Manager of Greggs Dunstable.
The shopping centre location operates from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM Monday through Saturday, and from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM on Sundays.
"We're excited to be welcoming customers to our new and improved shop in Dunstable.
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We look forward to providing customers with a modern, convenient new place to experience their Greggs favourites," said Gillian Long, Retail Operations Director for Greggs.
