THE project to breathe new life into one of Tavistock's most important historic buildings this week took a major step forward, having secured vital funding from the Architectural Heritage Fund.

Tavistock Guildhall and police station, built in 1847 by the Duke of Bedford, was acquired by the Devon Historic Buildings Trust last year.

A spokesman for the trust said the Guildhall would be one of the most challenging and interesting tasks it had undertaken as it involved a critical section of the historic range of buildings in the centre of Tavistock.

Following a national competition for historic property restoration funds, the trust has secured £7,500 from the Architectural Heritage Fund — its maximum grant — in support of the options appraisal work being conducted by Totnes-based architects Gillespie Yunnie.

The announcement has been welcomed by West Devon Borough and Tavistock Town councils, both of whom have worked closely with the trust.

Robert Plumb, West Devon's regeneration officer, said the borough was keen to assist the trust in the feasibilty work in relation to the future use of the police station and Guildhall.

'These are a unique set of buildings at the heart of the town's Conservation Area and an important part of the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site.'

Tavistock town mayor Cllr David Whitcomb said: 'We know the trust has been busy behind the scenes applying for grants and working with architects to come up with appropriate ideas for the future of the building.

'We continue to offer the trust our support in their endeavours to make the Guildhall once more a vibrant and useful part of the centre of Tavistock.'

John Taylor, chairman of Tavistock Forward said he was absolutely delighted that the restoration of the Guildhall and police station was now progressing.

'The trust has a wonderful track record for restoring historic buildings and we are fortunate that these properties, at the heart of the town and where the fabric of the structure was starting to deteriorate, are now in a safe pair of hands,' he added.

A trust spokesman said: 'The work first involves a complete set of surveys to identify areas of complexity before the practical work of restoration can begin in earnest.

'This work has been entrusted to the architects who have already started work with chartered surveyor Peter Luff, quantity surveyor Trevor Humphries and structural engineer Jerry King, of Hydrock Structures.

'Led by Jackie Gillespie, the architect and Gillespie Yunnie partner, the team will report later this year with recommendations for the restoration work and with specific proposals for future use of the range of buildings with an interim report in May of this year.'

The spokesman said the trust would 'consult closely' with local interests during this period to ensure the views of 'inhabitants of Tavistock' are properly considered.

'The trust stresses that it has no pre-conceived plans for the buildings and awaits the appraisal study results like everyone else.'

Jackie Gillespie said: 'We are very excited to have been appointed to lead an experienced team of consultants in preparing an options appraisal for the police station and Guildhall.

'It is a great opportunity and we are looking forward to working with Devon Historic Buildings Trust and the local community to find a sustainable and viable future for this important building.

The trust will conduct its consultations with local interests so that the appraisal report may be completed.

Full contact details and regular details of progress will be published on the charity's website http://www.dhbt.org.uk">www.dhbt.org.uk