Revamp scheme for landmark Barnstaple building to create cultural centrepiece

Refurbishment of an underused heritage building in Barnstaple said to be key to the town’s ambition to be a cultural hub for North Devon is to come before planners.

Bridge Chambers at The Strand is a Grade II listed Victorian gothic-style former court building which The (Barnstaple) Bridge Trust wants to transform into a performance space with a cafe and bar, backstage area, toilets, a flexible studio/ office space and exhibition spaces.

Planning permission is being sought to revamp the building, including changing an office space into a  food and drink area on the ground floor.

The Bridge Trust is working with North Devon Council to create what they describe as a community based performance arts centre which is part of the Flourishing Barnstaple project and the council’s cultural development strategy.

The project received £3 million of Arts Council funding last April, with further contributions from the Bridge Trust and Future High Street programme for three aims: refurbishing Bridge Chambers, completing a visual arts/ creative industries hub at 36 Boutport Street, and a public art scheme.

Last autumn, the Bridge Trust advertised for a design team for the estimated £180,000 contract to draw up plans to transform the waterfront 1873 landmark.

All three aspects of the Flourishing Barnstaple project are due to be completed by April 2026.

Built as an investment property for the trust, Bridge Chambers has been used as a courtroom and judges’ chambers, and solicitors’ offices. As well as general office space, more recently it has also housed classrooms and a bookshop.

It is currently used for performances and community workshops, lectures and films.

The building is in a poor state of decoration but a relatively good state of repair, with a few damp issues, said the applicants.

The Arts Council funding will pay for full public access by means of a wheelchair accessible slope, and steps and a new lift, a new entrance and food and drink area, light improvements in Bridge Hall and additional and upgraded loos.

It is also intended to put solar panels on the roof so they are not visible at street level.

Agents for The Bridge Trust, the David Wilson Partnership said: “The purpose of cultural development fund is to re-energise community-based creative arts in Barnstaple and across North Devon.

“The refurbishment of part of this underused heritage building, in its key location in the centre of historic Barnstaple, will form a pivotal part of this initiative by becoming the hub for community performing arts in the region.”