The former Debenhams building is now open for business again with the ground floor available for rent by commercial occupiers.
Bedford Borough Council purchased the 75,377 sq ft building in May for a reported £1.8m in May, with work beginning to convert it into smaller business units and housing earlier this month.
Read: Work begins to convert former Debenhams store into business units and housing
Now, Kirkby Diamond have been appointed as letting agents to seek out businesses who may want to move in as soon as work is complete.
Councillor Andrea Spice (Conservative/Wixams and Wilstead), portfolio holder for economic development, planning and prosperity, said the announcement is a significant step in rejuvenating the town centre.
“Prior to implementing our full town centre development strategy centred around the former Debenhams and adjacent Mayes Yard we are excited to be able to offer temporary retail space of varying sizes to occupiers within this centrally located former department store.
The building is considered to be an iconic landmark sitting on the corner of Bedford’s High Street and Silver Street at the start of the main pedestrianised area of the town centre.
Nearby businesses include national chains such as JD Sports, Halifax Bank, Costa, Moss Bros and Holland & Barrett and independent businesses such Maison Le Vôtre, Not Another Jungle, The Cellar Bar and Maysons.
“That is the beauty of Bedford Town Centre,” continued cllr Spice.
“We have a wealth of both national and independent stores that give a fantastic mix and offer to our residents and visitors, and we look forward to what opportunities will come forward for the temporary use of Debenhams to join this mix.”
The floor space is available for two to three years from October 2024, it is then intended that the wider redevelopment plans for the town centre will begin.
Associate Joshua Parello, of Kirkby Diamond, added, “This early release of centrally located retail floorspace provides a fantastic opportunity for all occupier types – local and national – to play a key part in the town’s continued transformation.
“The scheme is offering smaller commercial units for retail or food/beverage occupiers, as well as larger spaces for potential leisure usage, so the opportunities are vast.
“It’s great to see that the former Debenhams store will soon become a vibrant hub of the town centre once more.”
For more information contact Kirkby Diamond’s Bedford office on 01234 905128.
