Western Morning News (Saturday)
Council hoping market reopens by the summer
BARNSTAPLE Pannier Market is expected to reopen this summer following extensive regeneration works.
The market, which has been a cornerstone of the local community for generations, has been closed for several months as part of North Devon Council’s £11 million investment strategy which aims to breathe new life into the town.
Improvements to the market include extensive internal and external redecoration and repairs, glazing of doors to Butchers Row, and external refurbishment works to The Guildhall.
The aim of the works is to create a modern, vibrant market that appeals to both locals and visitors alike, while still maintaining the historic character and charm of the original market.
The improvements will enable the market to be used in a more flexible way, facilitating a more varied and ambitious programme of markets, cultural events and community gatherings.
Head of property, place and regeneration at North Devon Council, Sarah Jane Mackenzie-Shapland says: “The regeneration works are truly transforming the market, making it a building the North Devon community can be really proud of.
“Repairing and refurbishing the Pannier Market was always going to be challenging due to the complexity of the project and the historic fabric of the building. The poor condition of some of the timbers has meant that we will be reopening later than we had hoped.
“We regret the disruption the current closure is causing, however carrying out these works will enable us to ensure the building is kept in good condition going forward.
“To reflect the feedback we have heard from the community, we have worked hard to ensure that the market retains its unique character and charm while offering the modern conveniences that people expect. We are confident that the changes will be very much worth the wait and traders, locals and visitors will be impressed by the new improvements and facilities.”
As well as the improvements to the Pannier Market, the Market Quarter includes projects to restore and renovate the historic 36/37 Boutport Street into an exciting mixed-use development of workspace and town centre living, create a vital pedestrian gateway to the town, pedestrianise Butchers Row, allowing traders to spill onto the street and visitors to eat and drink, improve access to the
Queen Street car park and redesign the layout to improve legibility into the town.
Barnstaple’s Market Quarter project was developed following consultation with local people and the business community to enhance both the quality of the town centre experience and the variety of offer, improving access via all modes of transport.
A reopening date for the market is yet to be confirmed and will be subject to ongoing developments. However, the council is hopeful that the building will be able to reopen in the coming months, just in time for the busy summer season.