AMONG the supporters of the project is Dr Richard Ward, president of Newton Abbot and District Musical Comedy Society.

He said: ‘The striking Italianate face of The Alexandra building leads into a beautifully preserved, fully functioning, grade II listed Victorian theatre.

‘Within are features that are becoming rare, the stage, proscenium arch, fly tower and orchestra pit which all deliver the essentials for live entertainment. ‘This planning application, whilst retaining all the virtually unique features, further enhances the potential of the theatre.

‘This improved auditorium and stage would attract a huge variety of art forms from choirs to dance groups, touring bands to stand up comedians in addition to lectures and presentations.

‘The proposed atrium would provide further exhibition space and in total this would be a fitting cultural and arts hub for Newton Abbot and surrounding districts.’

Laura Barnes, of Newton Abbot, is backing the plans saying the design would improve the market and attract people to come into the theatre.

Paul Swinbank, of Newton Abbot, described is as a ‘great design that would enhance the Market Square, Market Hall and Theatre’.

Lynda Reynolds-Smith, of South Knighton, said: ‘It will conserve a part of the heritage of Newton whilst at the same time providing a modern aspect for the community to enjoy for years to come.

‘A great solution.’

Michelle Watkins, of Shepton Mallet in Somerset, added: ‘Newton Abbot was my home town for almost 30 years.

‘It is exciting to at last see a decent plan put forward to update the Alexandra Theatre and Market Hall.

‘If adopted it could bring new life and footfall to the town from miles around.’

Fiona Fewings, of Newton Abbot, said: ‘The design is sympathetic to the historic surroundings with the atrium being a wonderful addition with a modern twist, and a welcoming entrance.

‘The design would make the best use of the space available and would make the Alexandra somewhere that draws local people out into the town in the evenings, and also attract people from the surrounding areas.

‘Creating a cultural hub with lots of live events provides something which is lacking in the town and can only enhance it.’

One objector, Tim Corbett, of Kingsteignton, felt there was ‘ample’ theatre space currently.

Elizabeth Swinbank, of Kingsteignton, said the proposal would ‘greatly enhance the attraction of the Market Hall and Alexandra Theatre to both the local and wider population of Teignbridge’.

She said: ‘There is nothing not to like about it.

‘It has wide local support which would help to ensure a successful future of Newton Abbot and its many small businesses.’

And Keith Shakespeare, of Ogwell, said the ‘sympathetic’ design would enhance the building and offer a ‘comprehensive upgrade’ of the existing theatre facilities.

He said: ‘It also provides an exciting first floor mezzanine where bistro dining and refreshment can be enjoyed matching facilities at Plymouth’s Theatre Royal and Torquay Princess Theatre giving our community opportunity to enjoy daily social gatherings together with a brilliant auditorium and stage for school productions, regional theatre tours, one man shows, charity events and exhibitions, a superb addition to the councils wish to provide a vibrant cultural area for Newton Abbot all backed by visionary owners of local business and community leaders, it has to be a must for approval.’

Laura Rusher, of Ogwell, said: ‘I think I this new proposal is just what this town needs, keeping the history as well as creating a safe space for all, somewhere people can shine and perform or be entertained, attracting footfall into our town and creating opportunities and experience for the youth in the town too.’