Devon town's market to be relocated under major plans

A major step forward in the revitalisation of Newton Abbot town centre is set to take place next month. Transformative plans will go on show for the Market Hall which is set to undergo a major redevelopment – but when work begins, traders will be relocated.

The former Post Office in Market Walk, which has been empty for more than seven years, will become a temporary marketplace for the duration of the refurbishment. No timescale for when the work will begin has yet been announced.

But early next month, traders, businesses and shoppers will get the chance to see the transformative plans for the market hall. The exhibition of the plans will begin with an engagement event for traders on Wednesday, April 10. Officers and members from Teignbridge District Council will talk through plans to relocate traders to the former Post Office building while work to transform the market hall area takes place.

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Teignbridge District Council said it is working with existing traders on the relocation, timings and information about the new market hall offer, alongside opportunities within the vacant shops which had been earmarked for this purpose since they had become empty. The event will also be the chance for discussion about ongoing communication and engagement.

Following the traders’ event, the exhibition will relocate to Market Walk, where residents, visitors and shoppers can see the transformational plans for the market square, which will boast a food and drink area as well as a modern, bespoke and well-designed market stall area. The whole area will also be approached through a completely redesigned and revitalised market square, which will have trees, plants and seating areas and provide a calm and attractive place for people to socialise, eat and relax.

The exhibition space will be open from Thursday 11 to Saturday 13 April, from 11am to 2pm. Council officers and members will be on hand to show visitors the plans and answer any questions or concerns.

The work to transform the market area of Newton Abbot is being funded by the Future High Streets Fund and is part of the overarching Garden Communities plan to revitalise, enhance and protect the areas of Newton Abbot and Kingsteignton.

Cllr David Palethorpe, Teignbridge Council’s Executive Member for Economic Development, said: “The new market project is part of our ambitions to regenerate and revitalise our Premier Market Town and will provide an exciting market offer for residents and visitors to the town. The new Market will have a Food Court offering a wide variety of street food in a newly created social space.

“The future plans include running a variety of events in the new market, including live music and dance, and special events for families, making Newton Abbot a go-to destination for people of all ages. This new market will add to the already excellent offer in Newton Abbot making it a real destination town.

“We are keen to talk to anyone who is interested in running a stall in the new market. There will be help and advice for anyone wanting to trial a new business.”

As part of the plans, the wall between the market hall and the cinema is being retained, a smaller entertainment space will be created, and inside the market hall, greater retail diversity will be pursued, including a food court.