A new sale yard in the heart of Bedford

The prospect of closure of the Horne Lane sale yards owing to the forthcoming redevelopment of the area made it a necessity to identify and acquire suitable alternative premises for the weekly auction sales. The partners decided that, while an out-oftown site might offer advantages, the whole essence and character of Peacocks’ sales related to the ability of regular visitors to call in when in Bedford for other purposes. The partners were highly conscious of the institution of Peacocks’ market that had been created and developed by Saturday sales over sixty years. For many people, a weekly visit to Peacocks was a regular part of their routine, and it was decided to continue to offer that facility if at all possible.

One day, in the spring of 1973, Jonathan Knights had occasion to visit the former Castle Press printing works premises at 26 Newnham Street, Bedford. These were vacant following the collapse of the printing company, and had been for sale for many months through London agents. The sheer size of the premises, not apparent from the street, immediately alerted him to the possibilities for conversion to an auction centre. The property was large enough to replace the Horne Lane sale yards, to absorb the Lime Street sale room activities and accommodate the auction offices as well.

With a prominent, modern, two-floor office block at the front and single-storey buildings behind, the property extended to a floor area of over 20,000 square feet. Loading facilities were restricted, but were capable of improvement by demolition of a boiler house and toilet block. The location was almost ideal, only a relatively short walk from the town centre and Lurke Street multi-storey car park and with on-street parking nearby.

Jonathan Knights quickly arranged for the other partners to view, and having first ascertained that planning permission for change of use was likely to be granted the decision was made to purchase. The partners’ offer was accepted on the understanding that contracts would be exchanged quickly, with an early completion, and the deal was done.

As it was not necessary to move in immediately, part of the premises was temporarily let for storage. The remainder was let to Survey Design and Construction Ltd (now well-known as SDC Ltd and still a Bedford-based company) for use as stores for their expanding construction business.