A MAJOR step forward in the regeneration of Newton Abbot town centre has been taken this week with the submission of a planning application for a new, high quality four screen cinema in the northwest corner of Market Square.

The application on behalf of Scott Cinemas is for a new, purpose built, two-storey building which will not only host the four screens on the upper level but will also have ground floor space to accommodate for example, restaurants or cafes, complementing existing Market Square businesses and boosting the night-time economy.

The ground floor units will face out on to a paved area, similar to Market Walk, which with additional planting will provide a safe and attractive environment for cinema goers as well as for residents or visitors relaxing outside in the town centre.

Together with the wider Future High Street Fund town centre regeneration plans, the modern design and the proposals for the immediate surrounding area will add impetus to the development of Newton Abbot as Devon’s premier market town.

To build the new state-of-the-art cinema, some of the modern extension to the Market Hall building will be demolished, returning it to be more in line to its original shape and size.

The buildings currently hosting New Look, the former Shauls Bakery and the upstairs link to Clarks will also be demolished

Before any demolition, Teignbridge will be discussing short and long term relocation options with tenants so as to minimise disruption, enable continuity of trade and retain their business within Newton Abbot town centre

The regeneration project also aims to boost economic activity by making the centre of Newton Abbot more pedestrian friendly, encouraging greater footfall in the town and enabling people to move more freely between the town centre, the library and Asda.

Newton Abbot Cinema
The proposed view from Market Street (LHC Design )

A new pedestrian route will link Market Square with Sherborne Road and a service access route will also be provided on Market Street.

New crossing points at the junction with Sherborne Road and at the southern end of Market Street will improve pedestrian safety.

Executive Member for Business, Cllr Nina Jeffries said: ‘This is an exciting stage in regenerating the town centre and making it a more vibrant place where more people want to visit. 

‘If planning is approved, residents and visitors will be able to enjoy a high-quality cinematic experience and a choice of films to suit everyone.

‘Increasing footfall in the town and boosting economic prosperity is the primary aim of the regeneration plans and the contemporary environment created by the new cinema proposals is an important part of achieving this goal.’

Residents have the normal opportunity to comment on the planning aspects of the application (reference 22/01129 which can be viewed on our planning portal (https://publicaccess.teignbridge.gov.uk/online-applications/ ) and the application is expected to be considered by the Planning Committee in the autumn.

If approval is given, work is expected to start in early 2023 with the new cinema scheduled to open in the middle of 2024.