The former Debenhams building in Bedford town centre is partially reopening as a ‘what’s on’ hub to promote and celebrate local cultural events and support tourism.
The What’s On Bedford Borough hub will open tomorrow (Wednesday) and incorporates a Visitor Information Centre, the Corn Exchange Box Office and a gift shop.
It is a much-needed facility in the town centre since the former Visitor Information Centre at Bedford Bus Station closed in 2016. A Bedford Borough spokesperson said it would provide practical services for “locals and visitors alike”.
To further enhance the former department store building, artwork from the Bedfordshire Art Loan Collection will be displayed in the ground-floor windows along Silver Street and the High Street.
The council says that this initiative is the first step in the reimagining of the former Debenhams site, with more of the building to open in stages.
Erica Roffe, editor of the Bedford Clanger, which was launched in 2011 to highlight Bedford’s art and culture, welcomed the news.
“Since the former Visitor Information Centre closed in 2016, the town centre has been crying out for a one-stop cultural hub to showcase the arts and heritage that are right on our doorstep,” she said.
“From theatre shows to films, live music to comedy, heritage to countryside, Bedford Borough has so much to offer and I’m glad that the new cultural hub will be in such a prominent town centre location – and making use of such an iconic building.
“We look forward to distributing copies of the June issue of the Bedford Clanger there as soon as it opens.”
Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton (Conservative), said the opening was a major boost to Bedford’s regeneration and community spirit.
“This is a fantastic example of how we can reimagine our high street for the future,” he said.
“By bringing together tourism, local enterprise, culture and essential services, we’re breathing new life into a much-loved building. This is not just a place to find information – it’s a place to celebrate Bedford Borough.”
