Newton Abbot’s historic role as one of the south west’s key trading hubs has been given a major boost following the completion of the town’s newly regenerated Market Hall.
The £5 million transformation, which began in November 2024, has rejuvenated the Market Hall and surrounding square as a vibrant, flexible destination for shopping, dining and events. Designed to support both daytime and evening activity, the development is expected to breathe new life into the town centre and attract increased footfall.
Blending heritage with modern design, the updated Market Hall features new street food units, a bar, café, improved retail spaces, and a versatile area for pop-up stalls and events.
A key part of the project has been the sensitive restoration of the site, which honours the market’s heritage while creating a flexible, contemporary space suited to the evolving demands of a modern town centre.
This included the removal of part of the 1970s food hall, revealing the original Market Square frontage for the first time in decades and installing a striking new central staircase that enhances access and the overall look and feel of the building.
An early phase of the scheme saw the demolition of part of the extension to open up the new pedestrian route. During the works, teams uncovered a long-hidden view of the historic square, not seen for almost 50 years.
Connectivity across the town centre has been significantly improved, with a new entrance created from Market Street, and the reinstatement of a pedestrian walkway linking the Alexandra Cinema with Market Square.
Market Square has also been upgraded, with new paving, seating and planters, alongside the installation of external power supplies to support a range of future events. The improvements will help position Newton Abbot’s markets quarter as a lively and welcoming destination throughout the day and into the evening.
The project has been funded by the UK Government’s Future High Streets Fund.
Teignbridge District Council will announce the new operator for the Market Hall in the coming weeks. Once formally appointed, the new operator will work with traders to facilitate them moving in before the market opens in the autumn.
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