Major Newton Abbot projects 'on target'

'Now the heavy work is about to start'

Work to restore Newton Abbot’s historic Market Hall is on schedule for a grand opening in spring next year..

Cllr David Palethorpe (Lib Dem, Ipplepen) told Teignbridge Council’s executive committee the project is ‘right on schedule’ and structural work has begun.

The refurbishment of the building is part of a town-wide set of projects paid for by the government’s Future High Streets fund. Others include the controversial reshaping of pavements and parking in Queen Street and the redevelopment of an old mill building at Bradley Lane.

Traders operating in the indoor market have been moved across to the former Post Office in Market Square while the £5 million regeneration of the grade two listed market hall takes place.

The first phase involved the demolition of a section of the 1970s' food hall to create a new pedestrian walkway.

The council says the refurbishment will create a ‘thriving hub’ featuring a bar, street food vendors, retail shops, a cafe, fresh food hall, and event spaces.

The main structural works are expected to be complete by the end of the year.

“The redevelopment is progressing well,” said Cllr Palethorpe. “Now the heavy work is about to start.”

He said the Bradley Lane development is important for Newton Abbot, with the creation of a number of affordable homes, although conservation campaigners have called for the demolition of historic mill buildings to be halted.

“The clearance of the site is progress,” he told the meeting. “It has created some interest, but it is a brownfield site and it’s perfect for the much-needed homes we require.

“All of the major projects in Newton Abbot are on target and on schedule.”