Thumbs up for Market Walk revamp

Full Council today approved a major investment package for Market Walk Shopping Centre, Newton Abbot.

Councillors unanimously supported the £2million upgrade scheme which will modernise the centre and create an open airy and spacious place to visit and shop. The proposals are the beginning of a series of immediate improvements to brighten the look and feel of Market Walk with further works phased over the next 2-3 years.

The redesign will involve re-cladding shop units, removing concrete canopies and replacing with a larger glazed canopy, installing more benches and bins in Market Square and re-paving the centre from Courtenay Street through to Market Square.

Costs of the works will come from existing budgets and financing. Taking into consideration retailer trading requirements and the relevant planning approvals being given, work could start early in 2018.

Cllr Jeremy Christophers, Teignbridge District Council’s Leader, said: “It was little more than a year ago that this council took the brave decision to acquire Market Walk Shopping Centre, something which demonstrates our commitment to Newton Abbot and its future. The investment agreed by Full Council marks another exciting step in the right direction.

“Town centres up and down the country continue to face tough challenges but we are taking bold action to adapt to changing economic circumstances and deliver on our vision of making our area an even better place to live, work, visit and play.”

Newton Abbot is a town that has huge potential – it has great transport links but is in the enviable position of being set in a part of Devon that has good access to the coast and the moor. But it also has challenges and pressures such as an increasing population, competition from other shopping and business areas and making sure the town centre is easy to reach, safe and accessible for those who go there.

Teignbridge acquired Market Walk Shopping Centre in February 2016 in a £13million deal – the largest investment in Teignbridge‘s history which has given the council a greater ability to positively influence the future development of Newton Abbot’s central shopping district as well as helping it meet financial challenges posed by reduced central funding.

The investment is the first step in bringing forward the regeneration of Newton Abbot as set out in the Local Plan. Market Walk Shopping Centre will play a key role in the shape of the town in the future with opportunities to strengthen the town’s retail, leisure and hospitality offer.

The Full Council report is online at www.teignbridge.gov.uk/committee-meetings-and-agendas/full-council-meeti...

Councillors agreed the recommendations as set out.