THE £1.5-million project to redevelop an iconic building complex at the heart of Tavistock has been given the green light to start.

The National Lottery-funded project to protect and redevelop the guildhall complex, which is led by Tavistock Town Council in partnership with Tavistock Heritage Trust (THT), will create a new heritage visitor attraction, combined with a ‘one stop shop’ facility for council services.

Thanks to National Lottery players, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded a grant of £817,800 towards the £1.645-million project costs and has given the project the go ahead to start building work.

Work will begin on site next summer with the redeveloped guildhall opening to the public in 2020.

The project has received support from organisations throughout the town and beyond.

The ambitious scheme will conserve and repair the town’s historic guildhall and adjoining buildings — Trowte’s House and the old police station — and bring them back into public use. These listed buildings form the part of the history of Tavistock and its vital role in mining.

A new visitor centre will tell the story of Tavistock as the gateway to the Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape World Heritage Site and of the building’s role as England’s first purpose-built court and police station.

The project will open up public access to the guildhall’s historic courtroom and police cells, offer learning and volunteering opportunities for people of all ages and provide space for community use.

It will also incorporate the visitor information centre benefiting the many tourists who visit Tavistock and supporting local businesses.

The visitor centre is run by Tavistock Heritage Trust, which will also be running events and activities during and after the project is completed, including volunteer-led guided tours, historical research projects and a schools’ programme.

Tavistock town mayor Cllr Paul Ward said: ‘It is great news that we can now begin the work to conserve and redevelop these important historic buildings and bring them back into public use.

‘Our aim is to create a multi-purpose public facility, which can be accessed and enjoyed by Tavistock residents and visitors to our town for years to come.

‘On behalf of my fellow councillors and the town I should like to congratulate and thank the officers and staff of Tavistock Town Council and the committee of the Tavistock Heritage Trust for all the hard work that has brought the project to this stage.

‘We now look forward to seeing the start of the restoration work and ultimately the opening of what will become another feather in Tavistock’s cap.’

Chairman of THT Andrew Main said: ‘I am delighted that we have the go-ahead from the National Lottery to start work on this exciting project.

‘Through the hard work of the trustees and the support of our volunteers in the community, the trust has already opened a new visitor information centre in Tavistock and we now look forward to delivering a varied programme of activities, both during the building works and once the guildhall re-opens to the public.’

Nerys Watts, head of HLF South West, said: ‘National Lottery players’ investment goes well beyond bricks and mortar, it also provides opportunities for communities, boosts local economies and gives people access to their heritage.

‘We’re delighted to support this project which will bring some of Tavistock’s historic buildings back into public use and create a gateway to the history and stories of the South West.’

For more information about the project, visit www.tavistock.gov.uk

To find out about project activities and volunteering opportunities, visit www.heritageintavistock.org