‘Star Store’ in New Bedford to reopen as regional arts hub

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — Agreements are underway to reopen the former Star Store building in New Bedford, according to Mayor Jon Mitchell.

According to the mayor, the building is set to become a regional arts, culture, and creative hub, which will be the City’s “national stature as a center for the arts.”

The Arts and Business Council of Greater Boston has made agreements with the New Bedford Economic Development Council regarding the renovations and investments needed for the building.

“A&BC is a state-wide organization that promotes the arts, manages creative arts facilities, and invests in the creative workforce. We are delighted that the partnership NBEDC has forged with A&BC will ensure that the Star Store returns to the prominence it previously enjoyed as a home for the creative and artistic community in New Bedford,” NBEDC Chairman Anthony Sapienza said.

The Star Store has been closed since Sept. 2023, when the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth moved its College of Visual and Performing Arts to the main campus, according to Mitchell.

“This partnership between the NBEDC and the A&BC lays the foundation for the Star Store’s reactivation as an anchor institution and economic driver in Downtown New Bedford,” Mayor Mitchell said. “The A&BC has a proven track record of success with arts-based developments, and they will be a welcome addition to our City.”

For information on the Star Store’s progress, visit here.