Totnes Civic Square painting and planned improvements
The Civic Square (known also as the Market Square) is owned and managed by South Hams District Council. Plans to improve the space, including new seating, planting, and surfacing, were originally consulted on in 2018, with budget allocated by both Councils in 2019. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic meant this work was delayed. Now the cost of materials has increased significantly, meaning the work cannot start until additional budget is secured. This also gives an opportunity to review the original plans and look at the scope and use of the square post-COVID, for example the rise in popularity of outside cafe seating areas.
We are working closely with the team at South Hams District Council to get this work underway as soon as possible.
What’s being done in summer 2022?
Before the bigger improvement project starts, we’ve done a quick refresh to brighten up the space for all to enjoy.
- We’ve given the bollards a lick of paint and painted rolling fields and streams on the pillars under the Civic Hall. Next, we’re hoping to get our local schools involved to decorate the pillars with animals. You can click here to see our advert for an artist to lead this project: https://www.totnestowncouncil.gov.uk/your-council/council-contract-opportunities/
- Colourful mosaics created by local schoolchildren and artist Michelle Greenwood-Brown will be mounted on the walls under the Civic Hall, continuing the wildlife theme.
- We’re going to put up new lighting to illuminate the space under the Civic Hall.
- South Hams District Council will also be carrying out a mini-refresh to the seating and surface this summer.
What are the longer-term plans to improve the Market Square?
The enhancement programme has been designed by local architects Harrison Sutton Partnership. Improvements include integrated planters, a seating area, and the area will be resurfaced.
Read more here:
You can look at the plans here:
When will these works start?
Following a review of the plans drawn up in 2018 and the allocation of budget, we’re hoping the plan of work will start in 2023/4. As agreed before, the work will be scheduled to take place in the quieter winter months to avoid disruption to the busy pre-Christmas and summer season. We appreciate there will be disruption to the regular markets but hope the longer-term benefits will outweigh this inconvenience.
Improving accessibility on the ramp to the Civic Hall
As well as the work being carried out to make the area look better, Totnes Town Council is improving the accessibility of the ramp leading up to the Civic Hall. This work includes widening and levelling and will ensure the ramp meets statutory requirements to make it as easy as possible for everyone to enjoy using the Civic Hall.
We submitted our plans for the ramp works to the planning department at South Hams District Council in June 2022.
You can view the planning application via this link – http://apps.southhams.gov.uk/PlanningSearchMVC/Home/Details/222115
New visitor signs in the Market Square
A new fingerpost sign and information board are being positioned in the Civic Square as part of our plans to improve visitor signage. The fingerpost will help people explore (including pointing out the closest toilets). The information board features a map and other details on the history of the town and upcoming events. The signs are part of a bigger project to encourage visitors to explore the whole of Totnes and spend longer visiting our attractions, shops, and cafes.
You can read more about our public consultation for the wayfinding project here: https://www.totnestowncouncil.gov.uk/wayfinding-community-consultation/
See the results of the questionnaire here: https://www.totnestowncouncil.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/Totnes-wayfinding-questionnaire-results.pdf