TAVISTOCK'S historic town centre could be rejuvenated with the help a new bid for lottery cash.

West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Town Council are planning to bid for up to £1-million to repair and restore buildings in the town centre.

The money would come from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

A further £1-million would come from local partners and businesses looking to improve their properties and public spaces. In total, it is hoped the project will provide a £2-million boost to the local economy.

The bid is being coordinated by the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership, which is made up of local councillors, businesses and residents.

Well-known historic buildings in Tavistock could be restored, if the bid is successful.  They could include the old police station, the Guildhall, the pannier market and the auction rooms. Market Street and King Street could also get some investment.

Leader of West Devon Borough Council, Cllr Philip Sanders, said: 'This is an exciting opportunity for Tavistock.

'An investment of this kind could really help the local economy. I hope businesses and residents will get behind the project.' 

Tavistock town mayor Cllr Mrs Anne Johnson said: 'The Townscape Heritage Initiative Scheme represents a major step in supporting the preservation of the historic centre of Tavistock.

'Many of the heritage buildings are in the custodianship  of the town council and we will be working in partnership with the borough council on preparing the bid.'

The aim of the project is to preserve and enhance Tavistock's heritage, which in turn, will help to stimulate the local economy by attracting more visitors and shoppers.

Chairman of the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership, John Taylor, said: 'This is all about the regeneration of our beautiful, historic world heritage town centre.

'Local businesses will be able to benefit directly by applying for grants to improve their properties. It will be a great boost for local tourism and the economic future of Tavistock.'

West Devon Borough Council and Tavistock Town Council have both given £5,000 to support the bid process, at this stage.

A team of conservation experts, together with researchers from the University of Plymouth are helping to pull together information for the bid.

Residents and businesses are being encouraged to give their views about the project. 

The bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund is due to be made this October.  If successful, the project would start in 2014 and last for five years.

A public meeting is due to be held at 5.30pm on Monday, August 20 at Tavistock Town Hall. Everyone is welcome.