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The much-anticipated opening of the Eagle Bookshop’s new premises on St Peter’s Street took place on Monday (22 October), adding another unique independent business to Bedford town centre.
The second-hand bookshop has relocated from Castle Road to the former New York New York building and will stock in excess of 100,000 books – from rare first editions to £1 bargains.
“The St Peters Street site is wonderful, surrounded by bustling independent businesses, the Quarry Theatre, Bunyan’s statue and the old church itself – ideal for an enterprise that keys into culture and heritage,” said owner, Peter Budek.
“The bookshop is huge, but we have created within it areas that we hope capture all the charm and quirkiness of our old home in Castle Road, while offering far greater visibility and accessibility.
“There is now a comfortable performance space where we hope to expand our poetry readings, author signings, book launches and local history talks.
“By day, this provides a space where customers can relax and dip into their potential purchases.
“We have noticed a great interest in ‘real’ books among the young, and we feel that the new venue will help us reach out to this exciting new demographic.”
Peter also issued a rallying cry to other independent businesses: “A great opportunity now presents itself to forward thinking, independent business to step up and fill the spaces left behind by some of the departing chains.
“What a chance to make Bedford unique, as opposed to a mere clone of any other high street!”
