A major regeneration project has been announced for Grade II-listed Bedford Corn Exchange.
The £2.5 million overhaul, set to take place over this financial year and next, will cover key areas including the main hall, the Howard Room, the Harpur Suite, and involve a significant upgrade of kitchen facilities.
It is the biggest refurbishment the building has had for 30 years.
Cllr Sarah Gallagher, portfolio holder for leisure, culture and customer experience for Bedford Borough Council, said, “This refurbishment is much more than just maintenance – it’s a forward-thinking investment in Bedford’s cultural heart.
“By modernising the Corn Exchange, we are not only preserving an important historic venue but also enhancing the experience for local residents, visitors, and businesses. These improvements will support a diverse range of events, attract new audiences, and celebrate the rich heritage of Bedford.”
The 1874 building was a base for the BBC Symphony Orchestra during World War II and the site of Glenn Miller’s first British broadcast.
Work is scheduled to begin in early 2026 and is expected to be completed by March 2027.
Image: Yohan euan o4, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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