CONTROVERSY continues to surround plans to redevelop Newton Abbot’s town centre.

Teignbridge Council is working on plans to revitalise the market and theatre with £9.2 million Government funding through the Future High Street Fund.

But while the proposals were approved 24 to 11 by the district council last week, there remains strong opposition to much of the regeneration scheme.

A campaign to save the Alexandra Theatre from redevelopment has gathered more than 6,000 signatures.

The statutory body the Theatres Trust has responded to Teignbridge Council’s ideas but have asked the contents remain private for now.

However, Cllr Richard Daws did make public at the meeting of the full council that the trust, which is statutory consultee for all theatrical buildings, would not support any planning application to make alterations to the Grade II listed theatre.

While the funding has been accepted by the council to transform the theatre, market and market sqaure, the exact details of the overall scheme have yet to be drawn up or approved.

Newton Abbot Mayor, Cllr Mike Joyce said: ‘While Newton Abbot remains a thriving town, as its mayor I naturally welcome any significant investment such as the £9.2 million from the Future High Streets Fund.

‘However, no amount of money will improve a town if it isn’t spent correctly. Indeed, quite the opposite could result.

‘It is my belief, and that of many others, that Newton Abbot is being forced into accepting changes many don’t want. The fact that 6,000 people have signed a petition against the proposed remodelling of The Alex and indoor market speaks volumes.

‘Traders in Queen Street are concerned about the suggested alterations which they fear will drive customers away.

‘I question the value of research conducted by Teignbridge District Council and reject its claim that only those proposals currently on the table will secure the Future High Streets Fund investment.

‘Yes, we should be looking forward to the future but take consideration of what already exists, to be proud of and continue to use the facilities we have. We must leave us a vibrant and bustling Newton Abbot.

‘We must get this right, not just over the line.’

The proposals include relocating the cinema, improve pedestrian and cycle links, a new cinema and improvements to Queen Street.

The aim is to create a Market Quarter to ‘re-establish the markets at the heart of the community, offering a mixed-use space providing leisure, dining, shopping, artistic, community and cultural opportunities’.

Cllr Joyce said he was pleased that a steering group will be set up and suggested Newton Abbot town Council, Newton Abbot Chamber of Trade, Newton Abbot Civic Society, market stallholders, resident associations and groups representing the arts are among those invited to join.