Barnstaple Guildhall repairs costing £360,000 begin

The building's exterior stonework, render, windows and roof need repairs

"Long overdue" repairs are starting on a crumbling historic guildhall thanks to grants of more than £360,000.

Barnstaple Guildhall, an early 19th Century Grade II* listed building in the Devon town, was added to Historic England's 'at risk' register in 2022.

Grants of £260,692 from Historic England and £100,000 from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities mean repairs can start.

The building's exterior stonework, render, windows and roof need repairs.

• Listen: Work begins at "biggest and most prominent building" on Barnstaple high street

The work is expected to take up to 20 weeks to complete

Following a tender process, Pearce Construction (Barnstaple) Ltd will start repairs this week, said Historic England.

The work, which will cause some traffic disruption in the area, is expected to take up to 20 weeks to complete.

The last major work on the building, in 2006, was the installation of a lift and other facilities to improve accessibility.

The restoration will breathe new life into the town centre said Barnstaple's mayor

Louisa York, Barnstaple Town Council Mayor, said: "The work on the guildhall is long overdue, and as one of the town's principal and most prominent buildings, it is important that it is restored to its former glory.

"Its position on the corner of the High Street and Butcher's Row means that this restoration will help to breathe new life into Barnstaple town centre."

The town council would "ensure that it will continue to be cared for into the future", she said.

Barnstaple Pannier Market is part of the Guildhall

The guildhall still houses the town council as well as hosting events and exhibitions.

Rebecca Barrett, south west regional director at Historic England, said the guildhall had a "vital role" in the life of the town.

"Our investment will help ensure it is in good repair and can continue to support the community and the local economy for generations to come," she said.