AMBITIOUS plans for a new community building in the centre of Newton Abbot have been unveiled.

The town council is now asking for support from the public to help fund the multi-use facility.

But so far, the council is keeping tight-lipped over the location of the 750 sq metre building and how much it is going to cost.

The aim is to create a multi-use facility in the town centre which will be home to a youth cafe and training hub, exhibition space, workspace for businesses and home to the town’s CCTV control centre.

While the overall cost is not being revealed by the council, it is suggesting that the precept will need to go up to fund a loan.

The exact location for the facility, known as Newton’s Place II, is being kept under wraps as it is said to be ‘commercially sensitive’.

The council is calling the plans a ‘bold step in community development’ which will build on the success of Newton’s Place, currently the home of the town council and the museum.

The proposal is to create a ‘dynamic’ 750 sq metre space designed to ‘empower young people, support local enterprise, and strengthen civic infrastructure’.

The council said: ‘This is more than bricks and mortar.

‘It’s a place where creativity meets opportunity, where safety and culture coexist, and where the community can gather, grow, and thrive.’

The centre will include a youth cafe and training hub offering work experience and life skills for young people.

An exhibition space will provide opportunities for art, pop ups and events and will be free for community groups.

A new location for the town’s CCTV control room will offer a modern facility and enhance town centre safety.

Flexible workstations will offer affordable desk and office rentals for freelancers and small businesses.

The council says the need for such a facility will fill a ‘gap in the market’ as no such venue exists currently which will combine hospitality, civic technology, and cultural programming in one accessible location.

It will also support local priorities of ‘youth engagement, creative expression, business incubation, and public safety’.

The council is asking for financial support to fit out and equip the premises; launch the core services of the café, CCTV, workstations and promote community engagement and participation.

Initial capital investment will be provided by the town council but it is also asking for partners to join in by investing through grants, sponsorships, or service contracts.

The council said: ‘Newton’s Place Phase II is ready to become a cornerstone of community life.

‘With your support, we can turn vision into reality—creating a space that belongs to everyone and benefits all.’

The council is now looking to gauge public opinion on the idea, partly as this is a requirement of obtaining a loan through the Public Works Load Board, and because it would mean council tax for a Band D property rising by £5 a year to cover the costs.

The cost of fitting out the premises would be met from the council’s own capital budget and grants.