Major plans to transform the market and cultural quarters in Newton Abbot, boosting jobs and the local economy, have been given the green light by the Government.
The go ahead, based on the current publicised plans, will secure £9 million Future High Streets funding and means that detailed planning can now start on re-establishing the original Corn Exchange and Market Hall structure by opening up the space currently used by the market and the Alexandra cinema.
The plan will revitalise the centre of Newton Abbot, creating a central, flexible mixed use space for community, artistic and cultural activities, alongside a revitalised market, food hall and Market Square. With the upgrades to Queen Street and the National Cycle Network Route, as well as the building of a new state-of-the-art cinema, the regeneration will help transform the town centre into a vibrant and welcoming place to visit, boosting footfall and local spend and creating a premier market destination for the wider area.
Council leader Cllr Alan Connett said: “Winning £9 million is fantastic news. It means we can now move ahead with plans to regenerate the town centre, which will help to bring more people into Newton Abbot along with protecting and creating jobs.
“As we move into the detailed implementation, we hope that traders, local organisations and community groups will work with us so that we can meet the needs of the widest possible range of interests.
“This is a great opportunity to make sure that Newton Abbot builds on its 800 year history as a market town. We want to ensure that Newton Abbot remains the premier market town in Devon, benefiting residents, traders and visitors.
“Creating a modern town centre that embraces sustainable travel and encourages people to shop and buy local is an important part of helping businesses and communities recover from the impact of Covid.”
In the coming weeks the council will work with local groups to ensure people affected by the changes have a chance to have their say.
Teignbridge Council has also listed the Alexandra Cinema building as an Asset of Community Value, which means that if the council ever considered selling the building it would first be offered to the local community. Teignbridge has confirmed the building is not for sale.
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