The official opening of the Tiverton Pannier Market, Saturday 14th October

The official opening of the market was replete with period costumes, food and drink, animals, music, entertainment, bunting and balloons as part of the “Georgian Market Day”.

The Georgian Market Day recreated the atmosphere of the early days of the Pannier Market and was sponsored by project developer Kier Western.

The event featured:

• stallholders in costumes from the early 1800s
• local quartet playing music from the period
• Morris dancing
• majorettes
• local cadets drill
• pannier donkeys and farm animals
• gifts and prizes
• ribbon-cutting at official opening ceremony.

Pannier Market Refurbishment

The Pannier Market has been transformed thanks to a £3.41 million refurbishment scheme led by Mid Devon District Council, with funding from the European Development Fund, South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), Heritage Lottery Fund and Tiverton Town Council. Returning the market to its former glory has already given a new lease of life to the town centre and is expected to act as a catalyst for the further regeneration of Tiverton.

The dignitaries at the Tiverton Pannier Market opening

Officiating at the Opening Ceremony, led by Cllr David Pugsley, Chairman of Mid Devon District Council was: Cllr Peter Spencer, Chairman of the Pannier Market Working Group; Cllr Wally Burke, Mayor of Tiverton; Nick Buckland, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the South West of England Regional Development Agency; and Paul Edwards, Chief Executive of Mid Devon District Council.

Cllr Peter Spencer said “As someone who has been much involved in the Tiverton Market Area Enhancement project since day one, I would like to extend a warm welcome to everyone to come along on the 14th of October to see the Pannier Market for yourself and enjoy the high jinks of the Georgian Market Day. My thanks go out to all those who have helped bring this project to a very successful conclusion, including the RDA for their support throughout the scheme, and to Kier Western for supporting this day of celebration”.

Crowds of people at the Tiverton Pannier Market opening

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the Tiverton Pannier Market

Sue Brownlow, Head of Operations in Devon for the South West RDA, said: “The Pannier Market has been a crucial project for Tiverton and the town is already seeing the economic benefits of the Market’s transformation. It is a key milestone in the regeneration of the town centre and sets an impressive benchmark for quality, both of workmanship and design, for future projects in the renaissance of the town.”

The Pannier Market refurbishment project

The £3.41 million refurbishment scheme was funded by £1.19 million from the European Development Fund, £928,000 from the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), £803,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £487,000 from Mid Devon District Council and Tiverton Town Council.

The redeveloped Pannier Market has greatly improved the setting of the historic and Grade 2 listed market buildings. It has also created a more flexible and extensive trading space and provided a safer shopping experience for pedestrians.

As well as improving facilities for traders, accommodation has been improved for two local theatre groups and at the Market Drop-in Centre building.