Devizes Town Council has launched a consultation on plans for the regeneration of The Shambles in the town centre. The council has been working with PKA Architects for some time to develop proposals and the project has a budget of up to £1 million. The initial plans were unveiled to residents and traders who have since been sharing their views.
One of the main ideas is to create a more “controlled and ambient” environment with underfloor heating, air source heat pumps, and new lighting being considered. CGI image of the plans (Image: Devizes Town Council/PKA Architects) The designs also propose a revamp of the entrance by creating a lobby area with automatic doors, and mezzanine space to provide room for a cafe which would be accessed by an open staircase. Other plans include having glass bifold doors in front of traders plots.
Town Clerk, Simon Fisher, said that "markets up and down the country are failing and Devizes market is doing really well". "Where indoor markets have had some investment they are the ones that are doing okay. Those that aren't having an investment are going into decline," he added.
Last year the indoor market in Barnstable reopened following a £2.5m refit in a bid to restore it to it's former glory. Malcolm Prowse, lead member for economic regeneration and planning on North Devon Council, previously told the BBC: "This market is thriving again now and it's great to see.
" Mr Fisher added: "I was shocked at how it deteriorated but my understanding .
