AN agreement has now been reached for the purchase of the iconic Guildhall complex in Tavistock. Devon Historic Buildings Trust and Tavistock Town Council have reached an agreement for the sale of the former Magistrates Court, Police Station and Trowtes House to the council. The trust purchased the Guildhall complex from the Devon and Cornwall Police Authority on July 27, 2010, when the relocation of the police to their new premises in Abbey Rise was imminent and the buildings were to become vacant. In purchasing the buildings, the trust was seeking to ensure their long term future. DHBT has continued to maintain the complex for the past four years and during this time it has consulted extensively with West Devon Borough Council Planning Authority and English Heritage. These consultations resulted in a listed building consent which included a detailed schedule of maintenance and repair work that would ensure the preservation of the buildings for the future. Chair of DHBT Sue Spackman said: 'This project has involved a lot of hard work for the trust over recent years. Many trustees have contributed their skills with enthusiasm to ensure that the essential work of the trust is continued. 'We are delighted that the town council has come forward and wish it every success in restoring and bringing new uses to these important buildings.' The deal will see maintenance and repairs carried out to the external fabric of the buildings together with internal improvements. The town council plans to deliver some of its services from the Guildhall complex while keeping open the option to provide a World Heritage Site Gateway Centre. Tavistock town mayor Cllr Harry Smith said: 'This is good news for one of our most iconic buildings and for the town. 'This will enable the town council to protect buildings of national significance and over time once again to make them a central part of community and public life.' Chairman of the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership John Taylor said: 'I am absolutely delighted. This is great news for the whole of Tavistock and its World Heritage Site status.' The council will continue to pursue other sources of funding to enable the whole of the building to be brought back into public use.