Former Bedford Debenhams store handed £3m price tag
A former Debenhams store in Bedford has been brought to market with offers in the region of £3m invited.
Property consultancy firm Kirkby Diamond has been instructed to find a buyer for the 75,377 sq ft building by Kroll Advisory.
The property has potential for mixed-use development and the addition of further floors. It is currently fitted out as a department store, with a large basement and additional storage space on the fifth floor.
Nathan George, associate and head of agency at Kirkby Diamond, said: “Although the demise of Debenhams was a sad moment for Bedford town centre it means that a long-awaited opportunity has arisen to acquire a historical piece of the town centre.
“The former Debenhams department store provides accommodation over six levels and we are 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 or leisure units, subject to planning.
“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 includes Bedford Corn Exchange, the Harpur Suite and Bedford Central Library.
Former Debenhams stores have seen a variety of uses, with M&S taking a unit in Liverpool and Frasers Group opening at an ex-Debenhams in Sheffield as recent examples.