DETAILED proposals for a £6.5-million investment in Tavistock and the Tamar Valley go on display to the public tomorrow (Friday). They include plans for a new interpretation centre in the town, the first time the scheme has been released to the public. Tim Selman, of the Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project, said the investment would have far-reaching benefits for the area ? and make a major difference to Tavistock, as a ?gateway town? into the Tamar Valley and Cornwall. Mr Selman said: ?At the moment there isn?t really a great amount to tell people about the huge importance of Tavistock?s mining heritage. ?Mining really put Tavistock on the world stage and we really want to do something that?s going to make it iconic, to really put it on the map and tell its story.? Mr Selman said a decision on whether West Devon and Cornwall is to be declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO is expected on July 14 ? Tavistock would become an important gateway to the site, which would create huge business potential for the area. ?Tavistock is the only town in Devon and Cornwall that was completely rebuilt and redesigned on mining money, that?s why it?s so important ? it has incredible historical significance,? said Mr Selman. The first stage of the multi-million pound investment would focus on Tavistock, where around £500,000 would be spent on re-aligning Market Road, moving the war memorial in Guildhall Square and building a new interpretation centre and toilets by the River Tavy. ?What we propose will make far more high quality public space available in Guildhall Square and the link with the river will be strengthened ? really we feel it?s going to give that area back its historical integrity,? said Mr Selman. The interpretation centre would be an exciting, modern building but one which would sit in harmony with the surrounding area. By re-aligning Market Road, remains of the ancient Tavistock Abbey would be undisturbed and space would be created for disabled access to the Guildhall. The interpretation centre has been designed so that if further funding becomes available, it can be further extended and improved. Mr Selman said: ?We would also like to commission some public piece of art to go in Guildhall Square, maybe using copper we can get from the Tamar Valley, from the original old mining adits. ?One of the things people will see almost immediately, within the next few weeks, is some archaeological work in Guildhall Square, where they are going to be digging some trenches.? He said the ageing toilets were due to be demolished by the end of the summer ? a planning application has been submitted for the new interpretation centre and toilets. The Tamar Valley Mining Heritage Project covers a wide range of schemes on show at the exhibition, including the opening up of miles of walks and cycle paths through land inaccessible to the public for generations. It will see a big investment at Morwellham Quay and on Tavistock Canal and the old Bere Alston to Tavistock railway ? sustainable and long-term schemes to create recreational and leisure opportunities and boost local businesses while focussing on the area?s unique mining heritage. It is a partnership project involving West Devon Borough Council, Tamar Valley Service and Tavistock Town Council. The bulk of the funding is from the National Lottery, the European Objective 2 fund and the Regional Development Agency. The exhibition is open in the Parish Church Centre between 4pm and 9pm on Friday 30 June and on Saturday July 1 between 10am and 1pm. Entry is free.
