Bedford Borough Council has selected its preferred bidder to deliver the long-awaited regeneration of Mayes Yard, including the former Debenhams building in Bedford town centre.
The appointment of Cityheart marks another major step in the council’s long-running plans to redevelop the area around the former Debenhams building into a mixed-use destination designed to bring new homes, businesses, leisure opportunities and footfall into the town centre.
Cityheart and the council will now work towards finalising a Development Agreement for the scheme.
The Mayes Yard site has become one of the most closely watched regeneration projects in Bedford in recent years, following the closure of Debenhams and the council’s £2.2 million purchase of the building in 2022.
Bedford Borough Council says the redevelopment forms part of its wider ambition to create a more connected, vibrant and sustainable town centre.
Close scrutiny
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Supporters argued the acquisition was necessary to secure control of a strategically important town centre site and prevent long-term decline, while critics questioned both the scale of the investment and the length of time the building had remained largely unused.
The Mayes Yard scheme is therefore likely to face close scrutiny as residents and businesses look for clearer details on delivery timescales, costs, public benefit and what the redevelopment
Cllr Andrea Spice (Conservative, Wixams and Wilstead), Portfolio Holder for Town Centres and Planning, said: “This is an important step forward in delivering our long-term vision for Bedford town centre.
“Mayes Yard is a prominent site offering a unique opportunity to create a more vibrant, connected and welcoming destination that supports economic growth and reflects the character of Bedford.
“Cityheart has demonstrated a strong understanding of our ambitions for the town centre, and we look forward to working with them in detail as we finalise the next stage in the process.”
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Cityheart says it intends to deliver a “high quality, sustainable development” designed to support the local economy and increase activity in the town centre.
Benji Slater, development director at Cityheart, said: “We are delighted to have been selected as preferred bidder by Bedford Borough Council for the Mayes Yard project and to bring forward a high-quality, sustainable development that will make a lasting positive social and economic impact on the town centre.
“We recognise the importance of this location to Bedford and its residents and are committed to delivering a scheme that reflects its character, supports the local economy, and creates a vibrant place for people to visit.”
National experience
Cityheart has worked on a number of town centre regeneration projects elsewhere in the UK, including schemes in Stockport, Wigan and Widnes.
The company also has projects underway in Hemel Hempstead, Bishop’s Stortford and Northampton.
Further details about the Bedford scheme are expected to emerge over the coming months as plans are developed and discussions continue between the developer and the council.
The announcement is likely to renew debate around the future of Bedford town centre and the wider regeneration strategy, particularly following concerns previously raised by some residents over the cost and pace of town centre redevelopment projects.
