Short-term tenants sought for former Debenhams store

Bedford Borough Council plans to let the ground floor of a former Debenhams store to commercial occupiers on short-term leases. The store at 42-54 High Street has been vacant for three years and comprises five floors totalling 75,377 sq ft, with the ground floor extending to 19,110 sq ft. Commercial occupiers will be able to rent between 500 sq ft and 20,000 sq ft from October until 2026/27, when a redevelopment of the town centre is expected to begin. Bedford Council bought the building in June after it was marketed for £3m by Kirkby Diamond, which is now acting as letting agent. The acquisition of the site was part of mayor Tom Wootton’s broader strategy to rejuvenate Bedford High Street. Retail lettings in Bedford >> Image © Eighty8 Studio