Units in former Debenhams store available as short-term lets

Bedford Borough Council has announced plans to temporarily let the ground floor of the former Debenhams premises to commercial occupiers, and has appointed Kirkby Diamond as the letting agents.

Situated on a prominent site within Bedford Town Centre, the 75,377 sq ft building, which has been vacant for three years, was acquired by the local authority in June 2024 as part of Mayor Tom Wootton’s broader strategy to rejuvenate the town. 

Councillor Andrea Spice, borough councillor for Wixams and Wilstead and portfolio holder for economic development, planning and prosperity, said: “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 site, located in a prime spot at the junction of Bedford’s High Street and Silver Street at the start of the main pedestrianised area of the town centre, is seen as a key to driving economic growth in the town centre. Nearby tenants include national chains such as JD Sports, Halifax Bank, Costa, Moss Bros and Holland & Barrett as well as many local independents. 

“That is the beauty of Bedford Town Centre” added Councillor 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 floorspace is available for a period of between two to three years from October 2024. Thereafter it is intended that the wider redevelopment plans for the town centre will begin.

Joshua Parello, of Kirkby Diamond, said: “The acquisition of the premises earlier on in the year marked the beginning of an exciting new era for Bedford, and 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.”

He added: “Kirkby Diamond has been appointed to seek a variety of temporary commercial occupiers for the premises to make it a place that people want to visit. 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 and to discuss the units on offer, contact Joshua Parello or Chandan Teji at Kirkby Diamond’s Bedford office on 01234 905128.