Bedford’s elected mayor said that the launch of the Borough’s new What’s On Hub was a proud day for the town and had been “in the planning for a long time”.
The new hub was officially opened yesterday (Wednesday), in a section of the former Debenhams building overlooking Silver Street. It is part of the council’s strategy to prepare the Borough for the arrival of Universal Studios in 2031.
Read: Former Debenhams partially reopens as ‘what’s on hub’ for Bedford town centre
“In six years, eight million people will be coming here, and we want our town to be fit and ready to welcome those visitors,” said Conservative mayor Tom Wootton.
The town centre location combines the Corn Exchange box office and a visitor information centre that will be open every Wednesday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
The visitor information centre is run by Annalie Maher, formerly of BedfordBID and well-known to business owners in the town.
She said that she was excited to be expanding her knowledge of the other areas of Bedford Borough to showcase all of the events on offer and was looking forward to sharing her love of the town.
“Another new shop in Bedford”
Dressed in his formal robes and hat, the mayor thanked the team that had helped bring the project to life and celebrated “the opening of another new shop in Bedford.”
“It’s been on the cards for a long time,” he told the Bedford Independent once his official duties were over.
“We’re no longer hiding Bedford’s light under a bushel – this is Bedford’s time to shine.
“This is part of our plan to attract more people into the town and it’s important the county town of Bedfordshire has a visitor centre.
“We’re investing in improving the town centre with daily cleaning of the pavements and I’ve had a robust conversation with the chief constable of Bedfordshire Police during which he promised to provide more police in the town this summer.”
Read: Mayor says Bedford town centres ‘under siege’ by crime in letter to police chief constable
The mayor also hinted at the “plans afoot” for May’s Yard (the area behind the Debenhams building) that will link Silver Street to St Paul’s Square.
“There are well-advanced plans afoot and we’re really excited to share them with everyone soon. Eventually, the Debenhams building will see a mix of shops and housing, with more people living in the heart of the town centre.”
“A positive face of tourism in Bedford”
Steve Barratt of the Bedford Association of Tour Guides attended the opening of the What’s On Hub and said he was really pleased that the council was taking such a positive step to promote the Borough.
“The space is a professional and positive face of tourism in Bedford,” he told the Bedford Independent.
“Our walking tours of Bedford are becoming more and more popular, particularly with groups from outside the UK, and this hub is a long-overdue opportunity to showcase the wealth of heritage and culture on our doorstep.”
