by Paul Channing
•
1 April 2025
The Market Hall in Newton Abbot stands as a testament to the town's vibrant commercial heritage. As specialists in listed buildings and heritage properties, BluePrint Architectural Workshop is proud to be part of this significant restoration project, working alongside Teignbridge District Council, LHC Architects, and AECOM. The Challenge: Balancing History with Modern Needs Historic market halls present unique challenges. Years of ad hoc modifications, varying maintenance approaches, and the natural wear of time had left their mark on this 19th-century landmark. Our initial dilapidation surveys revealed several critical issues: Inappropriate modern alterations that compromised the building's historical integrity. Structural concerns requiring specialist attention. Complex compliance requirements for modern safety standards. The need to maintain the building's commercial viability while preserving its heritage. Our Approach: Expertise in Action Drawing upon our 99% success rate with listed building consent applications, we developed a comprehensive strategy that addressed both preservation and practical needs: 1. Detailed Documentation: Our thorough dilapidation surveys mapped every historical feature requiring attention, creating a precise blueprint for restoration. 2. Strategic Planning: We crafted detailed repair information that satisfied both conservation requirements and modern building standards. 3. Consent Navigation: Our expertise in heritage projects proved invaluable in securing the necessary planning and listed building consents, ensuring all stakeholders' requirements were met. The Solution: Restoring Authenticity Our restoration plan focuses on: Removing unsympathetic modern alterations. Reinstating original architectural features. Implementing repairs that respect traditional building methods. Ensuring the building meets contemporary requirements while maintaining its historic character. Progress Update Construction has commenced, marking an exciting phase in the Market Hall's journey. As we progress, we uncover and document historical features hidden for generations, adding to our understanding of this important building's heritage. Looking Forward This project exemplifies our commitment to preserving Devon's architectural heritage while ensuring these buildings remain viable for future generations. We'll be sharing regular updates on social media as this exciting project progresses, documenting each step of returning this cherished landmark to its former glory while preparing it for its next chapter.