Former Debenhams Department Store, 42-54 High Street, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK40

Former Debenhams Department Store 42-54 High Street Bedford MK40 1SP

Description

A long awaited opportunity has arisen to acquire a historical piece of Bedford town centre. The former Debenhams Department Store provides accommodation over 6 levels and we of the opinion that the property would best suit redevelopment of the upper floors to residential and splitting of the ground floor into multiple retail / leisure units (subject to planning). At the back of the site there is a listed building, https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/
list-entry/1004674.

Internally the property is currently fitted out as a department store with open plan retailing around several service cores and access points. There is a large basement and additional storage to the 5th floor. Access for loading is provided to the rear via St Paul's Square.

Planning Uses
Bedford Borough Council has continued its proactive approach to economic development across the borough and will be supportive in promoting the site as a viable development opportunity.

The site has been included in the upcoming Local Plan which considers how a scheme could potentially create smaller commercial units for retail or food/beverage occupiers, other leisure uses and residential opportunities on the upper floors. The Local Plan also includes Bedford Corn Exchange, the Harpur Suite and Bedford Central Library which all form part of the same block as the former Debenhams site, are key community and cultural facilities, and are collectively known as Mayes Yard.

For further information on the Local Plan please visit the Bedford Borough Council Website at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/

Viewings
Please call to register your interest and book on to one of the following open days.
14th November 11am - 2pm.
22nd November 11am - 2pm.
29th November 1pm - 3pm.

Location

The site is located in a prominent position extending from the centre of Bedford High Street onto Silver Street at the start of
the main pedestrianised area of the town centre.

The mainline train station is a short walk from the town centre providing rail services to London with a fastest journey time
of approximately 35 minutes. Also nearby is the popular river embankment and a host of bars, restaurants, leisure facilities
and retail units extending across the town centre.

Bedford is the principle commercial and retail centre for Bedfordshire and neighbouring towns and cities include Luton
at 20 miles south, Milton Keynes at 18 miles west, Cambridge at 30 miles East and Rushden at 13 miles north.

National retailers within close proximity include Costa Coffee, JD Sports, B&M, Tesco, Primark and Boots. The Harpur Centre
is Bedford's main shopping centre which is within a 5 minute walk from the subject property as too are multiple town centre
car parks.