TAVISTOCK Town Council has submitted a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for up to £750,000 toward a £1.2-million scheme to help restore and bring back into use the town's historic Guildhall complex.

The Grade 2* listed building, which is believed to be England's first purpose built court and police station, fell into disuse after the Magistrates' Court and Police relocated. It was subsequently acquired by the town council with a commitment to provide a sustainable future and public use for the iconic building.

The bid to HLF, which follows an unsuccessful first bid by the town council last year, involves the repair of the fabric of the listed building and internal renovation to provide access to public services and community facilities together with an interpretation centre for the World Heritage Site.

Town mayor Cllr Harry Smith said: 'The grant's environment is very competitive but, with the support of many organisations and individuals in the town, the council believes it has submitted a strong bid which provides the best opportunity to benefit the building and the town.

'If the bid is successful it will complement the economic regeneration provided through the Townscape Heritage Initiative. In particular by encouraging increased visitor numbers to our town, supporting the retail and service sectors and promoting a greater awareness of our unique mining and architectural heritage.

'The scheme also respects and develops the original purpose of the building by ensuring accessible public services.'

If successful the application would secure agreement, in principle, to the overall scheme with specific support to enable the development of a detailed proposal by early 2016. The Heritage Lottery Fund will consider the bid in June.