Tavistock Pannier Market

This important building was suffering from various problems – its roofing nearing the end of its life and the stonework, windows and doors all needing attention. Additionally there were major problems with the rainwater gutters and downpipes around the building, leading to ingress of water which was beginning to have a detrimental effect on the fabric of the building. A re-design of the gutters and drainage arrangements, together with careful repair and re-roofing prolonged the life of this much-loved building.

The project involved a detailed condition survey as well as drawing up the proposals for repair, applying for the necessary consents and overseeing the contract works to completion. It was completed on time and on budget.

It was funded by an HLF/THI initiative.

The 11 sets of existing heavy timber double doors were not original to the building, and were proving difficult to operate, as well as nearing the end of their useful life. The decision was taken to replace these in frameless glass doors, to visually to open up the appearance of the building, whilst providing easier operation. Budgetary constraints would not allow the mechanisation of all of the doors, and so the doors which were most frequently accessed were identified and these made automatic. Additionally, it had been noted that the original doors were sliding ones, which opened into stonework recesses either side: an original drawing of these had been found in the archives (see below). Again, careful survey of the building usage identified the most frequently opened sets where there was still room either side to re-use the stonework recesses and these were replaced with automatic sliding glass doors.

Masonry repairs included replacing the decayed local Hurdwick stone (now unavailable from local quarries) with pieces of reclaimed Delabole slate set on its bed and tightly coursed, which mimicked the colour and texture of Hurdwick, whilst remaining an obvious “honest” repair.