TAVISTOCK has won support for a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant towards a £1-million project to bring the historic former Magistrates Court, Police Station and Trowte's House back into public use.

The ambitious plans will provide a 'gateway centre' for the Cornwall and West Devon Mining World Heritage Site. The scheme, which is led by Tavistock Town Council, has received support from organisations throughout the town and beyond.

HLF has awarded a development grant of £48,700 to help the council progress the plans and apply for a full grant of more than £760,000. The rest of the money will be provided by Tavistock Town Council.

Tavistock town mayor, Cllr Sue Bailey, said: 'I am delighted that the Heritage Lottery Fund has given its support to these exciting proposals to not only safeguard this iconic building but also return it to its rightful place at the centre of community and civic life in our town.'

Tavistock Guildhall and police station were England's first purpose built buildings for administering justice. The Guildhall has been unused since 1997 and the police station subsequently relocated to new premises at Abbey Rise three years ago. The town council acquired the buildings, which are Grade II* Listed, and has been searching for funding to bring the buildings back into use.

West Devon Borough Council has been a key partner in helping to develop the proposals.

Leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Philip Sanders, said: 'This project shows how localism really can work by the public, private and voluntary sectors working together and making a real difference by supporting heritage led regeneration, learning and public service delivery led at the local level by the town council.'

The grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund will enable the community to improve the historic buildings to stimulate economic regeneration for the benefit of local residents and visitors.

John Taylor, chairman of the Town's Heritage Partnership, said: 'This is great news for the future of buildings which are such a visual and historic landmark in the centre of Tavistock. It is especially encouraging that the proposal includes arrangements to promote visitor based regeneration working with the local community alongside greater understanding of our unique built environment.'

The town council and its partners will now develop a second round bid to deliver a full scheme which will be submitted next year.

Nerys Watts, head of HLF South West, said: 'HLF investment goes well beyond bricks and mortar; opportunities for communities and boosts for local economies are also achieved thanks to money raised by National Lottery players. This project would enhance and complement the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Initiative scheme which was recently awarded by HLF so we look forward to seeing the plans develop.'

For more details about the proposal go to http://www.tavistock.gov.uk">www.tavistock.gov.uk