High hopes of bumper summer in Newton Abbot as refurbished market nears completion.

High hopes of bumper summer in Newton Abbot as refurbished market nears completion. 

HOPES of a bumper summer in Newton Abbot have been expressed as work on remodeling the market hall nears completion and shoppers get used to the new-look Queen Street.

Life in the town Centre has been far from normal for the best part of two years.

In May 2024, Teignbridge District Council and Devon County Council began implementing major changes to Queen Street, reducing vehicle access and widening the pavement for safety reasons.

Dubbed an ‘enhancement’ and funded by Government grants, some concern was raised by traders and Newton Abbot Town Council (NATC) who feared it would reduce footfall.

Then, in October 2024, the historic indoor market was closed as another Government-funded project got under way to deliver a more vibrant visitor destination and improved Market Walk.

Again, the scheme was met with apprehension as it looked like future of the attached Alexandra Cinema and Theatre may be susceptible to alterations.

Changes were subsequently made and now the Victorian structure is soon to re-open, bringing about an end to the long-running and disruptive building work.

‘We’re all looking forward to seeing our town to flourish again,’ said Mayor Cllr Colin Parker.

‘The summer is approaching and at last our streets will be free of construction and all the chaos that brings.

‘Teignbridge says it has great hopes for the remodeled market hall and we’re also seeing new businesses setting up elsewhere in town, plus our beloved Austins Department Store is expanding into the old Job Centre.

‘I recently opened the new Italian deli in Queen Street and when the owners, Abas and Naomi, were asked why they had chosen Newton Abbot as their second such store, they were enthusiastic that Newton Abbot offered the perfect opportunity for such a venture and Queen street, being one the main arteries into town, added to that opportunity.

‘We’ve also a great programme of free family activities and events planned for the coming months so I’m hopeful that we’ll see a bumper summer in town with old friends returning and new ones coming to see what’s on offer.’

Pierre Doutreligne, NATC’s Projects and Strategy Officer, shared the sentiment.

He said: ‘The opening of The Italian Store on Queen Street, which is already heaving, together with the arrival of other new traders and the imminent unveiling of the new market hall, sends an unambiguous message to residents, visitors and potential investors, Newton Abbot is very much open for business.’

The image shows Cllr Parker and wife Jean with Manager Deler Hussaini at The Italian Store. An Easter raffle generated funds for the Mayor’s charities.