Work begins to convert former Debenhams store into business units and housing

The Mayor of Bedford, Tom Wootton (Conservative) has confirmed that work being carried out at the former Debenhams store on Silver Street has begun, turning it into small business units and housing to “bring people in” to the town centre.

Bedford Borough Council confirmed their purchase of the building in May for a reported fee of approximately £1.8m and work has now started to convert the unit into into a mix of small commercial spaces and housing.

Read: Borough Council signs deal to buy Debenhams building

Mayor of Bedford Borough, Tom Wootton, has now confirmed work has begun and said: “We are looking at a variety of options to best suit the space.

“The old Debenhams building is a key example that the Council believes in its local town centre and is committed to backing our businesses. We will show investors that we are a great place to have your business.

“Building on the successes from the HSHAZ (High Street Heritage Action Zone), Town Deal and purchase of Debenhams, we are determined to make Bedford a great place to live, work and visit.

“If you are interested in the space, please email [email protected] to find out more.”

“For local people”

The redevelopment of the area goes back to March 2023, when previous Mayor Dave Hodgson (Liberal Democrats) said the council and landlords were looking to turn the store and neighbouring Beales into small retail, food and drink units, with leisure and residential offerings.

Councillors from other parties welcomed the news but some highlighted how the space must be protected for local people.

Cllr Lucy Bywater (Green, Castle) said at the time, “We’d like to see part of the ground floor as a vibrant indoor market giving opportunities to a variety of local businesses, to local start-ups and to creatives.

“Flats upstairs should be mixed size and high quality, not just tiny bedsits and studio flats. The town centre currently has too many of those.

“The Council, as a landlord, has control over the quality, and the affordability, so it should make the most of this opportunity for the benefit of residents.”