It was designed by John Ladds and William Powell in the Italianate style, built in brick with stone dressings at a cost of £9,000 and was officially opened by Francis Russell, 9th Duke of Bedford on 15 April 1874.

The outer bays featured porches formed by pairs of columns with scrolled capitals supporting entablatures bearing the words "corn exchange" and surmounted by balustraded parapets.

[1] During the Second World War, the BBC Music and Religious Departments moved to Bedford when it became too dangerous for them to be based in London or their previous wartime home, Bristol.

[10] Bedford's Assembly Rooms, which originally accommodated the General Library and Literary and Scientific Institute and are situated to the immediate northwest of the Corn Exchange, were integrated into the complex and re-named the Harpur Suite in 1972.

[13] The building continues to be a major entertainment centre and performers at the venue for the Spring 2013 season included Marcus Brigstocke, Joe Calzaghe, Chas & Dave, The Drifters, Hawkwind, Lee Hurst, Jimeoin, Milton Jones, Russell Kane, Sean Lock, Showaddywaddy, and the Philharmonia Orchestra.