Plans backed for ‘premier market town’

TRANSFORMATIVE plans that aim to regenerate Newton Abbot town centre to make it Devon’s premier market town have been backed – despite fears it would do more harm than good and it would destroy the historic theatre.

Teignbridge District Council’s executive earlier this month had unanimously agreed to accept the £9.2m of Government funding from the Future High Streets Fund for plans which would transform the Market and Food Hall, Alexandra Cinema and Market Square.

Thursday’s full council meeting saw members agree to the budget for the specific projects within the bid, which include pedestrian and cycling improvements for better links to shopping facilities, a new cinema built on the site of the existing New Look store, and the reduction of the dominance of the car park in Queen Street.

The current Alexandra cinema will be converted into a bar/restaurant and events venue, with a high quality market space provided in the existing market area, but to do so would require knocking down the dividing internal wall, leaving some councillors feeling the magic of the building would be lost, but also that it wouldn’t provide a suitable performance space for entertainment.

Backing the proposals, Cllr Nina Jeffries, executive member for economy and jobs, said: “This will help long held ambitions for Newton Abbot to be the premier market town and will help create a vibrant town centre for everyone, in particular future generations.”

Cllr Jackie Hook added: “This is an opportunity for Newton Abbot.

“It will enable businesses to prosper, and quality of life for all the town’s residents to be enhanced.”