OPENING of the £2.2 million Newton’s Place museum and community space has edged closer with building contractors Pollard handing back the keys to Newton Abbot Town Council.

Remodelling of the former church in Wolborough Street began in November 2018 and although the programme has taken longer than expected the finishing line is now in sight.

Some minor ‘snagging’ is still outstanding but on Friday June 5 Town Clerk Phil Rowe accepted handover of the building, signalling the imminent installation of new museum displays, a process expected to be completed in July.

Tidying up of the adjacent land which contractors used as a compound is set to begin later this month followed by the erection of external Newton’s Place signs and banners.

The building will also house the Town Council offices with some furniture and equipment already installed.

Subject to Covid-19 restrictions, staff will continue with the move and preparing the community spaces for public use.

The Newton’s Place project, delivered at no cost to council tax payers, has been the Town Council’s number one priority in accordance with wishes expressed in the Newton Abbot Neighbourhood Development Plan.

Project Champion Cllr Mike Ryan said: ‘It’s fantastic to have finally taken back control of the building, we really can see light at the end of the tunnel now.

‘We are sorry things have taken longer than expected but we’re liaising with Pollard to fully understand why the delay came about.

‘So let’s look forward to the opening of Newton’s Place later this year, the timing of which will be mainly down to the Government and how it decides to ease the lockdown rules.

‘We will also need to ensure that staff and volunteers have completed the required training to make opening safe and enjoyable.

‘My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who is helping to make the dream a reality, not least the people of Newton Abbot who have told us repeatedly how much they want this facility and who have given us their support these past few years.’

The Town Council expects to take advanced bookings for the community spaces from next month, details will be published at www.newtonsplace.org in due course.