A £7 million heritage-led regeneration project
Boutport Street Studios is a £7 million heritage-led regeneration project delivered by Pearce Construction on behalf of North Devon Council as part of the wider Market Quarter regeneration programme in Barnstaple.
Completed in 2026, the mixed-use development transformed 36 and 37 Boutport Street into a vibrant creative hub that combines heritage restoration with contemporary construction. Supported by funding from the Government's Future High Streets Fund and Cultural Development Fund, the project contributes to the council's long-term vision of revitalising Barnstaple town centre by creating new opportunities for creative industries, town centre living and community engagement.
Preserving the building's historic character
The development comprised the refurbishment of the Grade II listed 36 Boutport Street alongside the redevelopment of the adjacent 37 Boutport Street. At No. 36, extensive restoration works preserved the building's historic character while adapting it to meet modern performance standards. Original architectural features, including lime plasterwork, sash windows and decorative cornicing, were carefully repaired and reinstated, while structural timber repairs and building stabilisation works secured the integrity of the historic structure.
Roof and external envelope improvements made the building watertight, and a comprehensive internal reconfiguration created a flexible layout incorporating a ground floor café, events space and adaptable workspaces. New mechanical and electrical services, accessibility improvements and lift access were sensitively integrated to ensure the building met current standards without compromising its architectural significance.
Improving connectivity & encouraging greater footfall
The adjacent redevelopment of 37 Boutport Street delivered a contemporary mixed-use building providing ground-floor workshop units and residential accommodation.
The design incorporated a central arcade that establishes a new pedestrian route between Barnstaple town centre and the Central Car Park, improving connectivity and encouraging greater footfall throughout the Market Quarter.
Historic architectural elements salvaged from the original façade were carefully incorporated into the new building, preserving the site's heritage while complementing the modern architectural design.
Technical & logistical challenges
Delivering the project presented several technical and logistical challenges. Integrating modern building services within a listed structure required careful coordination to minimise impact on historic fabric, while extensive structural repairs addressed ageing timber elements and ensured the long-term stability of the building.
The constrained town centre location demanded a phased construction approach to manage access, deliveries and neighbouring properties throughout the works. Additional challenges arose from the poor condition of the retained façade at No. 37, requiring sensitive restoration and the careful reuse of original materials to maintain the site's historic identity.
A conservation-led approach
Throughout the project, Pearce Construction adopted a conservation-led approach that balanced heritage preservation with contemporary functionality.
Traditional materials, including compatible lime-based finishes, were used to repair historic fabric, while original architectural features were retained wherever possible. Salvaged façade components from No. 37 were successfully integrated into the new development, creating a visual connection between the site's past and present.
Inclusive design principles were incorporated throughout, ensuring accessible circulation, modern facilities and flexible internal spaces capable of supporting a wide range of creative and commercial uses.
Creating a vibrant destination
The completed Boutport Street Studios development provides a diverse mix of studios, co-working spaces, workshops, offices, a café, cultural event space and residential accommodation, creating a vibrant destination for creative businesses and the local community.
The scheme significantly enhances the public realm by strengthening links between key areas of Barnstaple town centre, encouraging increased pedestrian movement and improving the overall visitor experience. By supporting creative and cultural industries, promoting town centre living and working, and delivering high-quality public spaces, the development contributes to the economic and social regeneration of Barnstaple while safeguarding its historic character for future generations.
A significant milestone in the regeneration of Barnstaple's Market Quarter
Boutport Street Studios demonstrates Pearce Construction's expertise in delivering complex heritage and regeneration projects that successfully combine conservation, technical excellence and modern construction practices.
The project stands as a significant milestone in the regeneration of Barnstaple's Market Quarter, showcasing how sensitive restoration and innovative redevelopment can create lasting community value while preserving the architectural heritage of the town.
