AN ambitious scheme to capitalise on Tavistock's unique historic buildings is to be discussed during a meeting in the town next week.

The idea, put forward by pannier market deputy reeve Mike Souttar, would see the Guildhall, police station and Court Gate cottage transformed to provide a themed tourist attraction — it would enhance Tavistock as an important gateway to Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley, part of the recently dedicated World Heritage Site.

Mr Souttar's idea was sparked by a recent visit to Bodmin Visitor Centre, situated in the town's historic Shire Hall.

The hall formerly housed courts and cells and now provides an interactive court-room drama depicting a famous Victorian murder.

One of the court rooms will also provide a venue for theatre, music and exhibitions as well as conferences, seminars and community hire.

The regeneration of the Shire Hall was led by Bodmin Town Council, with grants from Europe, the Heritage Lottery and North Cornwall District Council.

Mr Souttar said: 'I was totally inspired by this place. I saw that building in Bodmin deteriorate over the years — Tavistock has everything that they have.

'Tavistock has in one location a magnificent courtroom, a historic police station, a Victorian cottage, a small museum, a small shop and old police and court cells.

'Consider the benefits of a similar strategy to Bodmin, with the court and cells being used to recreate a historic criminal scene, the police station becoming a visitor centre, Court Gate cottage to house a working Victorian kitchen and to display what life was like, to include a themed tea room, and the archway shop to be given over to an interpretation centre for Dartmoor and the Tamar Valley.'

Mr Souttar said the upper floor of Court Gate Cottage could be used for caretaker accommodation and the existing tourist information centre could become a new old folk's rest room.

'The tourist information centre should be far more visible than it is now,' he said.

Mr Souttar said if Devon unitary status was adopted, the town council should be ready with proposals which could 'seriously enhance' Tavistock town centre.

He said: 'The town council could take on responsibility for more of the car parks and great provision should be made for visiting coaches.'

Regarding parking, Mr Souttar suggested Guildhall car park should be made a pedestrian area and a three-hour park and display system could be adopted for Market Road. He also suggested better use of park and ride facilities, including a horse-drawn system during the summer tourist season.

Mr Souttar said: 'Our beautiful buildings are not going to improve by being left alone. It would be much better to treat them as a whole and not do something piecemeal.

'This town is just screaming out with potential and perhaps now would be the time to take a step back and reach an overall view of the task ahead.'

Mr Souttar's report is due to be considered by the town council's properties committee when it meets next Tuesday.