A VITAL step forward in the possible redevelopment of Tavistock?s historic Guildhall has been taken, following an agreement reached with the Government?s historic buildings watchdog, English Heritage. The Guildhall, owned by Devon and Cornwall Police but redundant since the closure of the town?s magistrates court several years ago, is the subject of a feasibility study by DTZ Peida into its possible future use. Now English Heritage has agreed to fund a further detailed study which will ascertain what changes can be made to the Listed building in order to help evaluate its best future use. John Taylor, chairman of Tavistock Forward which commissioned the Guildhall feasibility study, said he was delighted at the news. ?As a developer, the first thing you have to find out is what you can do with the building. ?We are extremely pleased that English Heritage have agreed to fund this brief and support this project, which already has financial support from the South West RDA, Tavistock Town Council and West Devon Borough Council. ?Not only are English Heritage writing the brief, but they are also funding all the consultants? work. ?As a result, it means the current study and report being prepared by DTZ Peida, will be far more extensive and useful to take the project forward.? Mr Taylor said English Heritage had been extremely helpful and were happy to assist the study, which will include documentary research into the original building plans and Bedford Estate records of the design by Theophilus Jones ? records he believed were ?extremely detailed?. ?As well as evaluating the historical importance of the building, the study will ascertain what physical changes and alterations to the fabric can be made, which will be essential to take the project forward. ?By having English Heritage on board, it?s going to be so much easier to apply for funding in future ? having their support is fantastic, you have to have these people behind you.? The study is expected to be complete by spring 2005 ? a delay has been forced by the closure of Devon County Records Office due to relocation. It does not re-open until February 2005. Tavistock?s historic buildings form part of the bid which aims to get recognition for Cornwall and West Devon as a World Heritage Site, on account of the international influences of the 19th century mining industry in the area. Mr Taylor said the chairman of English Heritage, Sir Neil Cossons, was the speaker at the annual Cornwall Lecture in Truro recently, in which he fully endorsed Cornwall and West Devon?s bid. ?He must have mentioned West Devon and Tavistock about ten times during his speech ? he was so enthusiastic ? I reckon the bid has a good chance and the good thing is, the sites involved in the bid around here are all accessible and easy to see. In Cornwall the majority are underground,? said Mr Taylor. ?The economic and social benefits for our town, if this bid is successful, would be enormous and our preference would be that these buildings are brought to life again as a visitor centre, as a showcase to promote Tavistock and our wonderful surrounding area of historic heritage.? Stephen Gill, of West Devon Borough Council, is a member of the area panel responsible for drafting the nomination document and management plan. He said all local authorities involved were now preparing to endorse the document and plan ? West Devon was due to agree this on Tuesday ? before they were submitted to UNESCO in January. Mr Gill said: ?The UNESCO inspectors are due to visit the area next summer and the final decision will be made in summer 2006.? Mr Gill said work would continue on exploiting the opportunities which would arise from nomination, focusing on economic regeneration, education and funding, including projects like Tavistock Guildhall and its future use.
