36 & 37 Boutport Street, Barnstaple
Regenerating a Prominent Town Centre Site
Works are now nearing completion at 36 & 37 Boutport Street in Barnstaple, where this significant mixed-use redevelopment is set to bring renewed activity to a prominent town centre location.
The project forms part of the wider regeneration strategy for Barnstaple Town Centre and combines the careful restoration of the Grade II Listed No. 36 with the redevelopment of No. 37 to create new workspace, residential accommodation and an important pedestrian connection between Queen Street car park and the town centre.
Preserving Historic Character
Throughout the scheme, considerable emphasis has been placed on retaining and celebrating the site’s historic character.
At No. 36, extensive restoration works include the careful repair of original lath and plaster ceilings and walls, alongside sensitive repointing of the existing masonry to preserve the building’s historic fabric and appearance. Years of neglect and dry rot damage required a meticulous approach to refurbishment, balancing conservation requirements with the practical needs of a modern mixed-use development.
Reusing Historic Materials
The redevelopment of No. 37 presented additional challenges after the building suffered extensive fire damage.
Rather than losing the site’s historic identity entirely, elements from the original structure - including iron brackets, columns and stone lintels - have been carefully salvaged and incorporated into the new design. This approach helps maintain a tangible connection to the site’s history while allowing the building to be adapted for contemporary use.
Integrating Biodiversity
The project also incorporates measures designed to support local wildlife and biodiversity.
A specially designed roof structure at No. 36 includes integrated bat roosting and hibernation spaces, demonstrating how heritage-led regeneration projects can successfully balance conservation, sustainability and ecological enhancement alongside wider redevelopment objectives.
Looking Ahead
As the project approaches completion, it is exciting to see the development beginning to re-establish itself as an active part of Barnstaple town centre.
By carefully combining restoration, redevelopment and public connectivity, the scheme will help bring new life to this important historic site while contributing to the wider regeneration of the town over the coming years.
