North Devon pannier market gets Lottery grant to restore Victorian glass roof

South Molton Pannier Market is to receive a £234,000 National Lottery Heritage Grant towards the restoration of its Victorian glass roof.

South Molton Town Council, which owns and operates the market and applied for the grant, said the project will see the restoration of the Victorian Patent Glass roof lights which extend the 77 metre length of the building and makes it one of the largest glazed market hall roofs in the country.

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The council said the restoration will secure the much-loved building in the heart of the town for years to come.

The market was built in 1863 by the town council to replace the original outdoor market and to provide a permanent place for traders and keep shoppers out of the elements.

The council said without this funding from the Heritage Fund the building would have been at risk of falling into disrepair.

Alongside the roof restoration of the roof, South Molton Town Council, in partnership with volunteers, community groups and residents will be delivering a series of heritage and history projects.

Above: The market is a popular space within the town for all manner of events. Credit: Lewis Clarke

Market manager Adam Nichols said: “Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund these projects will bring to life the story of the landmark building for the whole community to enjoy.

“South Molton is part of the UNESCO Biosphere reserve in North Devon and saving this heritage will secure this vital community space for generations.”

The council says in the long-term, the market will become more sustainable because its trading space will be available all year round, whatever the weather, giving local small businesses and community groups continuity and reducing maintenance costs, as well as supporting farm-to-market traders, low food miles and small-scale food production.

The restoration project aims will offer work opportunities to people from the area, both in the building work and through the recruitment of a heritage engagement officer.

Market regular John the bookseller said: “It’s been such a joy to be part of the market and the community for over 20 years; one special aspect of our market is that people find it welcoming and I want it always to be like that.

“We need to cherish our community market and everybody who comes to it. Thanks to National Lottery players and all the wonderful people here, we will be able to carry on doing this for years to come.”

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Stuart McLeod at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, added: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re proud to support South Molton Town Council in restoring the iconic Victorian roof lights of the Pannier Market.

“This project not only protects a unique piece of the town’s heritage but also brings the community together to celebrate its history and ensure the market continues to thrive for generations to come.”

The town council is seeking to appoint an experienced contractor and specialist glazing company to undertake the restoration works, for completion in spring 2026.

The Pannier Market will be able to operate during the works and the construction project will be managed by Barnstaple-based David Wilson Associates from Barnstaple.