AN AMBITIOUS £5 project to redevelop Newton Abbot’s historic Grade II listed market hall is now complete.

The regeneration project, which began in November 2024 and has transformed the Market Hall and surrounding square as a ‘flexible’ destination for shopping, dining and events.

Designed to support daytime and evening activity, Teignbridge Council says the development is expected to breathe new life into the town centre and attract increased footfall.

The updated hall now features new street food units, a bar, café, improved retail spaces, and a versatile area for pop-up stalls and events.

The council says a key part of the project has been the sensitive restoration of the site, which honours the market’s heritage while creating a ‘flexible, contemporary space suited to the evolving demands of a modern town centre’.

This included the removal of part of the 1970s food hall, revealing the original Market Square frontage for the first time in decades and installing a new central staircase.

An early phase of the scheme saw the demolition of part of the extension to open up the new pedestrian route.

During the works, teams uncovered a long-hidden view of the historic square, not seen for almost 50 years.

A new entrance has been created from Market Street, and a pedestrian walkway linking the Alexandra Cinema with Market Square has been reinstated.

Market Square has also been upgraded, with new paving, seating and planters, alongside the installation of external power supplies to support future events.

The project has been funded by the UK Government’s Future High Streets Fund.

Teignbridge District Council will announce the new operator for the Market Hall in the coming weeks. Once formally appointed, the new operator will work with traders to help them moving in before the market opens in the autumn.

Teignbridge Council Executive Member for Economy, Estates and Major Projects, Councillor David Palethorpe, said: ‘This is a landmark moment for Newton Abbot.

‘The Market Hall has been at the heart of the town for generations, and this transformation creates a space that honours that heritage while giving people new reasons to visit, shop and spend time here.

‘We’re very grateful to all the market traders, local businesses and residents for their patience through the redevelopment.’

Prime Build South West Contracts Manager Warren Smith said: ‘This has been a particularly rewarding project, transforming a building that holds great significance for Newton Abbot into a vibrant destination for residents, businesses and visitors alike.

‘Working alongside our project partners, we have helped preserve an important part of the town's heritage while creating a space that will support the community and contribute to Newton Abbot's future for many years to come.’

AECOM director of project and cost management Lloyd Husband said: ‘The project has had many challenges in both design and construction, but the restoration of this wonderful old building has been a pleasure to be a part of. We hope the Market Hall will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come.’