A GRANT application to the Heritage Lottery Fund to save the Tavistock Guildhall complex and bring it back into public use has failed, leaving a question mark over the future of the site. Leaders of the project have expressed disappointment that the bid for nearly £1-million to create a gateway centre to the Cornwall and West Devon World Heritage Site was unsuccessful. The partnership scheme, led by Tavistock Town Council, aimed also to create a single access point for public and community service in the centre of town. The complex of building includes the former police station and fire station, magistrates' court and judges' chamber (Trowtes House). Town mayor Harry Smith said the bidding process for projects across the South West was fiercely competitive: 'It was always going to be tough to get grant funding at a time when applications to HLF have increased by more than 40%, but it was important to try. 'Although this decision is a setback, we now need to try and find other ways to provide a living future for these iconic public buildings for the benefit and use of the community,' he said. Chairman of the Tavistock Townscape Heritage Partnership John Taylor said: 'This is really disappointing news. It would be a great pity if the buildings were to be sold off for private use and separated into different ownerships — which could well happen if the property is sold for residential development. 'Our bid provided recognition of the importance of the buildings to the town and a real opportunity to boost the local economy through a well designed and resourced visitor interpretation centre celebrating the internationally recognised mining heritage of our town and surrounding areas.' The partnership proposal had been to repair the fabric of the Grade II Listed buildings to protect them from the elements and convert the ground and lower ground floor to a World Heritage Site interpretation/visitor centre. The former magistrates' court would have been retained and become available for a range of public uses, with the first floor providing space for public and community services to be delivered. Owners of the building the Devon Historic Buildings Trust has been advertising the site since February. It was used by Devon and Cornwall Police until 2010. The site has planning permission for three residential units in the former police station. If the bid by the partnership had been successful, the town council would have owned all the main historic buildings in that vicinity. Chairman of the Devon Historic Buildings Trust Sue Spackman said she was also disappointed the bid had failed but that the building would remain on the market until such time as someone came forward with a realistic proposal. 'There is a lot of general interest in the property but no-one else has come forward with a viable proposition for the long-term use of the site,' she said. 'We hope we can fulfil this desire sooner rather than later and we would really like something to happen in 2014.' Interest and offers on the Guildhall are being sought through surveyor Will Lean on 01752 228800 or email [email protected]">[email protected]