AMBITIOUS plans to transform the centre of Newton Abbot will be put before Teignbridge Council's executive committee today.

Newton Abbot Regeneration Study is a comprehensive regeneration plan designed to improve the town over the next ten years.

The scheme, which is going to the executive for final consideration, outlines 18 potential projects to improve the town — eight of which received "widespread public support".

Projects include enhancing Victoria Garden, improving the bus interchange, relocating the town hall in the town centre, redeveloping Bradley Lane and improvements along Queen Street.

Parts of Market Walk could be swept away to make room for bigger shops and the multi-storey car park could be covered in a living wall of plants, radically altered or demolished.

Controversially, the report also suggests doing away with the livestock market and creating new homes and shops along Halcyon Road.

A six-week public consultation took place in July and August with 980 attending over three days. Out of thousands of residents, 174 questionnaires were filled in and returned to Teignbridge Council.

Tony Watson, head of economy and regeneration for Teignbridge Council, said: "The initial indication is that there is support for most of the projects, apart from proposals involving Maltings Square (Osbourne Street car park) and Highweek Way.

"In view of this, it's anticipated that a Newton Abbot Regeneration Plan will consider if these projects should be omitted in order to focus on projects which have received a greater level of public support."

He continued: "There is widespread support from the community for eight of the projects. These are: Queen Street, Market Square, Town Quay, Victoria Garden, Heritage Trail, improving shop front designs, station forecourt and takeaway and Library corner and Golden Lion Square.

"Each of these projects was supported by more than 75 per cent of respondents," said Mr Watson.

New cycle routes and the opening up of the area by the River Lemon are also on the cards, complete with seating and a coffee shop or kiosk.

There are also plans for a multiplex cinema in Sherborne Road and a new bus terminal.

Mr Watson said Teignbridge Council wanted to "stay ahead of the game" and have a viable plan in place for when the economy recovered to attract investors into the town.

The report says more than 72 per cent of respondents "strongly supported" ideas for town centre redevelopment and stressed "a strong desire" to re-inforce the role of Newton Abbot as a market town.

There was strong support for the redevelopment of the livestock market area as part of the town centre development project, although it was felt the needs of the farming community should be met.

Residents also said they wanted to see new buildings built to a high standard of design; the opening up and access to the River Lemon to "create a unique identity for the town"; street furniture and planting to create an attractive environment and that Market Square should be key to re-inforcing Newton Abbot's status as a market town.