MAJOR repair works to historic buildings in the heart of Tavistock are now underway.

Butcher’s Hall, the pannier market and its surround are historically important buildings which are or will shortly be undergoing conservation and repair work as part of the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

The works have been made possible by the award of funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund which was the culmination of work by a partnership of local councils, businesses and community groups, co-ordinated by the then Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership with the town council as the accountable body.

Butchers’ Hall, known to many as the ‘old auctions rooms’ and located next to the pannier market, is a Grade II listed building, constructed in the 1860s.

The budget for the internal restoration works is £85,000 and will bring the building in to the 21st century, with a new shop front, disabled access, new lighting and heating, and will be completed by November this year.

The end of the works will signal the next changeover point for the staff and traders from the pannier market.

As part of the THI conservation work, the pannier market is due to have restoration work done with the replacement of its roof — work will begin in January 2018 and estimated to last for four months.

While works take place in the pannier market, traders will be split between the newly refurbished Butcher’s Hall and the Tavistock Town Hall.

Wayne Southall, general manager of the town council, said: ‘When it came to consulting with traders there was initially a preference to stay in situ but that would have increased the cost by £300,000 and further consultation led to support for a temporary relocation and shorter period for works.

‘We all agreed and organised for an amended space for the five day traders and “lock ups” in Butcher’s Hall and to offer the one to four day traders the town hall.

‘The restoration work to the pannier market roof is necessary in order to rectify localised water leaks and prevent further deterioration of the Grade II listed building, which is an integral part of the town’s heritage, by undertaking repointing, refurbishment of windows, repairs to the box gutter and skylights and replacement of all rain water goods with appropriate heritage materials.’

The pannier market will be closed on December 31 giving the traders time to transfer over in order to be able to trade from January 9. The only exception will be Bob’s Cafe, which will see a temporary wall built by the town council for its kitchen and the seating area for the cafe will relate to number 3 East End Stores to enable trading to continue.

Other major repair works which do not form part of the Heritage Lottery Scheme are taking place on Duke Street — 9a to 13 is currently undergoing re-pointing work on its historic Hurdwick stone front, refurbishment and redecoration of windows and repair and redecoration of rain water goods.

Mr Southall added: ‘The original model was for the town council to scaffold from 9A to 18 but after lengthy consultation with shop owners we decided to phase it into two sections in response to suggestions received and concerns raised by tenants and business representatives. The first phase is for 9A to 13 and then once that’s finished we will rebuild the scaffolding from 13 to 18. This process is to minimise the duration that scaffolding is in front of the properties.

‘A lot of effort has gone into the design of the scaffolding to not obstruct windows, walkways and parking spaces.’

The second phase of scaffolding is anticipated to be removed by no later than November 17 this year.

Mr Southall went on to say: ‘The extensive investment in maintenance and repair works being undertaken by the council reflect its commitment both to the historic fabric of our Town and the businesses who trade from them and make Tavistock such a special place to live, work and visit.’

l The THI regeneration programme involves repair and restoration of public and privately-owned buildings of historic merit, the enhancement of public realm areas, raising awareness of the town’s heritage and promotion of traditional conservation skills.

The THI is supported financially by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Tavistock Town Council, West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council, the Greater Dartmoor LEAF and private property owners.