Our project to conserve the Market House by converting it to a modern Community Office, Information and Heritage Centre is now well underway. This follows success in our major funding bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for £190,000, having already secured £50,000 from the Rural Development Agency’s Somerset Rural Renaissance Partnership. The conversion will include an attractive and publicly accessible glazed office and information area on the ground floor with staircase and disabled lift to the upper floor, where there will be an open meeting space with information points and workstations. Arranged throughout the interior public spaces will be a series of historical pictures, photographs, models and artefacts, along with high quality displays and interpretation boards, that provide visitors with information, not only on the history and significance of the building, but also on the heritage of Martock as a whole. The project also includes resizing and refurbishment of the public toilets.

The conservation work will breathe new life into this valuable historic building, reinforcing its use for the benefit of the whole community and incorporating full disabled access. The Community Office will provide a wide range of information on local events, facilities and services, as well as direct access to a number of visiting service providers, offering personal, business and community support.

During the conversion work, the information board on the Market House will keep you informed on what is going on, and there will be opportunities for guided visits to view the conservation work at first hand and to learn about traditional building skills. The project also incorporates a comprehensive heritage learning programme. Watch the press for further publicity on breaking news and updates.

We hope to have the Community Office open by October of this year. Please contact our Parish Clerk, Ian Andrews (07846 738036, ian@martock.org.uk) if you want to know more or to volunteer your help.