Former Beales store to become sports bar after plans approved

Entertainment venue with restaurant, games area and live music receives planning permission despite residents' concerns.

A landmark building in the heart of St Neots is set for a new lease of life after plans to transform the former Beales department store into a sports bar and restaurant were approved.

The application, submitted by Bailey's Bar, will see the partially Grade II listed High Street property converted into a modern hospitality and entertainment venue. The ground floor will be the main sports bar and restaurant, while the first floor will have games and entertainment areas. Staff offices and back-of-house facilities will occupy the second floor.

The building's original three-storey section is Grade II listed, with later 20th-century extensions to the side and rear remaining unlisted. The applicant says the project has been designed to preserve the building's historic character while making a positive contribution to the vitality of St Neots town centre.

The venue will be permitted to host occasional live music performances and karaoke nights. Opening hours have been approved from 9am until midnight Monday to Saturday, and from 10am until 11pm on Sundays, with an extension until 1am on selected Saturday evenings. Around 12 front-of-house staff and between three and six kitchen staff are expected to be employed.

The refurbishment will include internal alterations, restoration of historic features, new signage and repainting of the main entrance.

Not everyone supported the proposals. Some residents raised concerns over the potential for increased noise, late-night disturbance and antisocial behaviour, arguing that another licensed venue could add to existing issues in the town centre and affect those living nearby.

However, St Neots Town Council backed the application, welcoming the plans to bring one of the town's most prominent vacant buildings back into use. Councillors said the redevelopment would help strengthen the High Street by attracting visitors and encouraging further investment in the town centre.