MORE than 1,400 people shared their views on the future of Newton Abbot town centre in a public consultation.

Teignbridge Council says the ‘strong response’; shows how much local people care about the town and want to help shape a ‘better future’.

The feedback will help inform a new regeneration masterplan that will guide future investment and development.

The first phase of consultation for the Newton Abbot Town Centre Regeneration project took place between December 2025 and May 2026.

Residents, businesses, community groups, young people, and visitors all took part, sharing their views through surveys, workshops, virtual reality events, and online activities.

The plan will look at the future use of brownfield sites and identify opportunities for housing, assisted living, leisure, better support for sustainable travel, and new and improved public and green spaces.

A spokesman for Teignbridge Council said: ‘The project aims to help Newton Abbot continue to grow as a successful and vibrant market town where people want to live, work, visit and invest, now and in the future.

‘By providing the homes, facilities and public spaces needed for modern living, while protecting and enhancing the town's heritage, character and strong sense of community, the project will help to make sure that Newton Abbot remains a leading market town for generations to come.

'The consultation findings revealed a strong affection for Newton Abbot. It also showed a desire for change.’

Adults placed greater importance on the town's character and identity, while younger people prioritised social spaces, activities and opportunities to spend time with friends.

Young people also shared ambitious ideas for how Newton Abbot could better meet their needs in the future.

People who took part in workshops said they wanted more reasons to spend time in the town centre.

Ideas included better facilities for teenagers and families, more green spaces, and better routes for walking and cycling.

Across all age groups, there was strong support for more leisure facilities, youth provision, events and cultural activities in central locations to create a busier and more active town centre.

Safety was another key theme. Women and young people raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, personal safety and poor lighting.

Opportunities to improve perceptions of the town centre's multi-storey car park were highlighted, particularly around safety after dark. Some people suggested redeveloping the site. Others said it was important to keep enough parking for residents, visitors, and businesses.

People with physical and learning disabilities highlighted a range of accessibility and usability barriers, underlining the need for improvements that make the town centre easier to find your way around and access by those with limited mobility or who use a wheelchair.

The next step is to gather more technical information to seen what could be possible in different parts of the town centre.

There will be more consultation and engagement as this information becomes available and as the masterplan develops.

The masterplan is due to be completed by next summer. Redevelopment work is expected to take place over the next 10 to 20 years.

Project leaders thanked everyone who took part in the consultation and say there will be further opportunities for the community to help shape the plans as they develop.