A £2-MILLION vision for Tavistock Police Station and Guildhall complex has been revealed by the Devon Historic Buildings Trust, which includes a visitors' centre and courtroom and cell experience, a police reception and museum, cafe and holiday units.

The community consultation held last spring identified a mix of uses that could be combined in the Grade II* listed building, which has been the base for the police for the last 160 years.

Officers will vacate the building this week for a new facility in Abbey Rise and DHBT will take over the historic site, the courtroom part of which has not been used for 14 years.

In a report by DHBT, it says the 'Heritage Gateway' centre option was developed as a direct result of the public consultation and progressed through conversation with local heritage groups.

The organisation says in its vision statement the building would be: 'A gateway centre offering access to the widest range of people to the Grade II* first combined police station and courtroom in England whilst educating and encouraging them to explore local historical attractions and areas of natural beauty.

'The public access and positive local benefits would be achieved through a hybrid of uses including an interpretation centre with access to the old cells, engaging and informative displays, a cafe with retail area and a small police museum.

'These functions would be supported financially by good quality holiday let accommodation in the remainder of the building.'

DHBT plans to complete the roof renovation works estimated at £345,000 as a phase one build in the spring/summer of this year. It will then sell the entire building to a 'trust' which it is is currently in discussions with.

To progress the scheme DHBT will also be applying for English Heritage 'Heritage at Risk' register and providing a robust case for funding to the Architectural Heritage Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund and English Heritage.

The gateway centre option is preferred above two options for the site, one dominated by a cafe, bar, restaurant seating approximately 190 and the other maximising the amount of residential accommodation on site.

Alterations to the building would include the removal of some courtroom seating to allow level access and create a usable space — leaving in place the judge's chair, witness stand, jury seating, solicitor's table and stairs to the cells.

A new glazed extension would be created on the River Tavy side incorporating extended dining space on two levels, a staircase, lift and bathrooms. A courtyard with seating would also be created on the river side.

In the DHBT report, noted by Tavistock Town Council last week, West Devon Borough Council's conservation officer Graham Lawrence said there was nothing in the options that caused 'alarm bells' for him, although a great deal of detailed design and planning work would be needed to take things forward.

'I wish the DHBT well in securing partners to move forward with confidence,' he said.

Mayor of Tavistock Philip Sanders said it was very encouraging and exciting that plans were underway to restore the building, but it was still early days regarding how it would be used in the future.

He said: 'The main thing is to stabilise the building at the moment and hopefully in a few years' time this building will be brought back into community use.

'As a town council we would like to see the whole of the building for community use and in doing so preserving its status but at the same time we realise that things have to stack up financially.'

Town councillors were keen to be kept closely informed of developments regarding the 'key building' in the town centre.

Cllr Mandy Ewing said: 'As a matter of practicality, we do need to be involved, because the second you put a foot outside the building, you are on our land.

'We should have a good understanding of whatever they want to do.'