Town's pannier market reopens after £2.5m revamp

Barnstaple's Pannier Market officially reopened earlier

A market in Devon has officially reopened after a £2.5m refit.

The Pannier Market in Barnstaple was closed in January for refurbishment.

North Devon Council has spent the money on repairs and improvements to the market which originally opened in 1855.

An opening ceremony started at 14:00 GMT with a ribbon-cutting at 15:00.

Mollie Bates runs the Pokollect stall at Barnstaple Pannier Market

Mollie Bates, who runs the Pokollect stall, said: "Structurally the pannier market looks brilliant and you can tell they've put a lot of work into it.

"We've noticed a large increase in footfall within Barnstaple town centre and the pannier market and there's a real buzz about the reopening."

Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon, said the refurbishment would make a huge difference

Selaine Saxby, MP for North Devon, said: "It's a historic pannier market and it's a beautiful building and it's fabulous to see it restored to its former glory.

"It's a hugely exciting time and I really hope the traders in the market have a fantastic Christmas."

The ribbon was cut by Helen Walker, vice-chairwoman of North Devon Council

Malcolm Prowse, lead member for economic regeneration and planning on North Devon Council, said: "This market is thriving again now and it's great to see.

"What the cathedral is to Exeter, the pannier market is to Barnstaple."

The Pannier Market has been "repaired, redecorated and transformed".

North Devon Council said the market had been "repaired, redecorated and transformed into a flexible space suitable for hosting a dynamic range of markets, cultural events, and community gatherings".

The most extensive works had been to the roof of the market with new lead gutters throughout. Timber frames have also been repaired and repainted.

The pannier market regeneration is one of four projects for the redevelopment of the market quarter.

The council got £6.5m from the government's Future High Streets Fund programme with North Devon Council providing match funding of £4.4m for the entire regeneration project.

The market partially reopened in August.