PLANS that aim to regenerate Newton Abbot town centre to make it Devon’s premier market town have been backed – despite fears it would do more harm than good and it would destroy the historic theatre.

Teignbridge District Council’s executive earlier this month had unanimously agreed to accept the £9.2m of Government funding from the Future High Streets Fund for plans which would transform the Market and Food Hall, Alexandra Cinema and Market Square.

Yesterday’s (Thursday’s) full council meeting saw members agree to the budget for the specific projects within the bid, which include pedestrian and cycling improvements for better links to shopping facilities, a new cinema built on the site of the existing New Look store, and the reduction of the dominance of the car in Queen Street.

The current Alexandra cinema will be converted into a bar/restaurant and events venue, with a high quality market space provided in the existing market area, but to do so would require knocking down the dividing internal wall leaving some councillors feeling the magic of the building would be lost, but also that it wouldn’t provide a suitable performance space for entertainment.

Cllr Liam Mullone, leader of the Newton Says No group, and a successful stand-up comedian, said that the proposals would not be of any value as a performance space.’

Leader of the council, Cllr Alan Connett, added: ‘This investment will make Newton Abbot Devon’s premier market town.’

But Cllr Mike Hocking, who represents the Bradley ward, said he couldn’t support the plans which would do more harm than good.

The Market Hall plans would transform the existing Market and Food Hall, Alexandra Cinema and Market Square to include a new eating quarter, a state of the art cinema, a remodelled entertainment and events venue and a high quality market space, and would re-connect the Alexandra Cinema and Market Hall buildings to create a flexible market, food & events space.

The final scheme proposals for the Market Hall and Alexandra Cinema will be presented to Council later this year, following further engagement with NADMACS and the Market Hall retailers.