A Newton Abbot shop unit which has remained empty since the £1.8 million refurbishment of the historic butter market in 2007 could finally be given a new lease of life.

Tenants living in the 3,600 homes managed by social landlord Teign Housing are to be put at 'the heart of everything we do' the organisation has said after it revealed plans to use the shop as a town centre reception.

The group, which acquired control of the housing stock from Teignbridge Council in 2004, said the new facility would provide better access for residents as its headquarters at the Brunel Industrial Estate are poorly served by public transport.

The satellite office will also feature a help desk staffed by housing officers from Teignbridge Council, providing a convenient alternative to a trip to Forde House.

Despite the major refurbishment of the 19th century building by the district council, not all the retail space has been let and the notorious 'black hole' corridor between the market square and bus station remains.

If Teign Housing's plans are approved there would finally be light and activity brought to the spot which is one of the first encountered by visitors to the town centre.

Jo Reece, Teign Housing's deputy chief executive, said: 'We make a point of putting our customers at the heart of everything we do and we're always looking for ways to improve our customer service.

'We hope our plans to open a satellite office in the town centre will make it much easier for anyone who wants to pop in to see us face to face.

'If we secure the relevant planning permission the office will be permanently manned by a team who will be able to help residents then and there with questions about tenancy issues, antisocial behaviour, rent and to get financial advice.

'Our main office on Brunel Industrial Estate is not well served by public transport, meaning some people find it harder to reach us.

'We recently asked all our customers whether they thought a town centre office would be a good idea and 89 per cent of the 1,135 who returned forms said it was.

'Market Walk seems the perfect solution, we fill an empty shop unit helping to boost the town and customers benefit from our central location close to the bus station and other transport links.'

A spokesman for Teignbridge Council confirmed the empty unit still needed almost £30,000 spending on it, a tab which would be picked up by Teign Housing.

In return the annual rent of £20,000 would be halved for the first year.

He said: 'We are looking forward to welcoming Teign Housing to the market on a five-year lease, subject to planning approval. This will give both Teign Housing and Teignbridge Council's housing service a presence in the town centre, enabling us to provide advice and assistance to customers in a convenient localtion.

'The arrangement will also ensure that this shop has essential building work completed without cost to local taxpayers, leaving it with better potential to lease for other purposes if required in the future.  

'As no other interest has been expressed in the unit, this office will make good use of an otherwise empty shop, enhancing the area and providing a helpful service to local people.'

If the scheme is approved the new centre could be opened this autumn.