Plans are currently being developed to renovate a historic indoor market in Wiltshire and safeguard its future.

In September last year, Devizes based firm Peter Kent Architect was appointed by the town council to take the lead in designing a regeneration scheme for The Shambles in the Market Place.

Town clerk Simon Fisher confirmed architects have now been briefed and have started to design proposals for the major project, before traders, councillors, and the public are consulted.

The regeneration of the building is one of the town council’s “key ambitions” and will include increasing energy efficiency, to tackle rising running costs, as well as a renovation.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The Shambles, DevizesThe Shambles, Devizes (Image: Newsquest)

It is hoped this will safeguard the future of the “thriving” market and its role in the town.

Mr Fisher said: “We’ve taken a long hard look at what we’re going to do with The Shambles… one thing we’re really aware of is the age of the building and its energy efficiency.

“That’s where the real problem lies, it’s not a particularly pleasant place to be in when there’s a 90mph gale going through it and we’ll be pumping energy into that.

“The plan is to make sure this is a really energy efficient space so we can continue with the markets, and it will be a building with manageable costs for future generations.”