Professional dance and theatre college set to move in to former Beales in Bedford
A professional dance college is set to move into the former Beales in Bedford – although the plans mean Bedford’s main library could be affected by longer-term regeneration ambitions, according to a newly published executive decision.
The decision, signed by mayor Tom Wootton on Thursday (April 2), sets out a proposal to lease part of 3 Harpur Street (the former Beales department store) to Dancebox Studios & Theatre Works Ltd.
While the current recommendation relates only to the ground floor unit, the report also refers to a “wider strategic ambition” linked to the Mayes Yard area.
This could include Dancebox expanding into the upper floors of the nearby library building as part of a future cultural and educational hub.
The report states that delivering any such scheme would require detailed feasibility work and formal council approval, and could involve relocating the existing central library function.
Under the current proposal, Dancebox would take a 10-year lease on the Harpur Street site, alongside daytime access to the Corn Exchange and Howard Room.
The report said the move would bring a vacant unit back into use, increase footfall and support wider town centre regeneration.
Dancebox is a professional dance training centre and college currently based in Milton Keynes. It provides “accredited degree-level courses, sixth form training and foundation courses” to prepare dancers for careers in commercial dance, cruise lines, musical theatre and television.
It is aiming to open in Bedford by September 2026, subject to planning permission.
Mayor Tom Wootton said: “This is a fantastic deal, and one which will benefit absolutely everybody.
“For the town centre, it’s an exciting new addition, bringing talented people learning their craft. For the businesses in our town centre it will bring more people, more business and more life, at a time when so many high streets are struggling.
“It’s also a great opportunity for our own young residents, who will have a professional dance and performing arts training centre on their doorstep.
“And for taxpayers, it means additional rental income for the Council, plus a reduction in business rates liability.”
Lib Dem group leader Henry Vann welcomed the news, but said the library must be protected.
He said: “This is brilliant news. It brings a prominent vacant unit in the town centre back into active use, something we have been pushing for for some time, and matches our long held vision for a varied and vibrant town centre offering much more than just retail. And given our already diverse and thriving cultural sector this is a great match; especially with the imminent arrival of Universal.
"The council must however make sure that the future of our central library is protected - something I have asked about before - and must also work hard to ensure that existing cultural activities can thrive alongside this provision.”
The decision to grant the lease can be called in by councillors for scrutiny.
If it is not called in, the decision can be implemented on April 15, 2026.