Trades have shared their split opinions after plans were revealed for a £1 million transformation to 'preserve' the current indoor market in Devizes.

The town council has been working with PKA Architects to develop proposals for a renovation of The Shambles.

Designs propose a revamp of the entrance by creating a lobby area with automatic doors, a mezzanine space and underfloor heating.

Other plans include having glass bifold doors in front of some traders plots.

Traders on the market had mixed opinions on the plans.

Philippa Huber, who sells her own photography, has been trading at the market for two years. She said: "Something does need to be done because in the winter it is absolutely freezing.

"We need something that does make it more weatherproof and pleasant for the traders and the public rather than it feeling like an ice cube."

Philippa Huber has been trading at the market for two years. (Image: Newsquest) She added: "It is a real wind tunnel so the idea of some sort of sliding door protection would be good."

Martin Rae has been trading at Plot 35 for around 18 months and said it needs an upgrade.

He helps run community allotments for those with social exclusion issues and sells the plants produced in the market for funds.

He said: "It is freezing in here in the winter and there is always wind coming in. There is some very old-fashioned heating which isn't very efficient. 

"I think it is a lot of money, but the new doors will be great."

Martin Rae has been trading at the market for around 18 months. (Image: Newsquest) Angela Cave, who runs Parrots & Peonies, has been a trader in the market for almost three years.

She said: "There are things that I think seem excessive in a building of this size and there are things that I think 'wow that is a fantastic idea'.

"I just think this is an amazing building and it really needs taking care of. There is a lot of small things like just painting it, keeping it clean and making it sustainable because in the winter it is cold.

Angela Cave has been a trader in the market for almost three years. (Image: Newsquest)

"It needs to be sustainable, it needs to be practical and it needs to enhance what is already here."

Sharing concerns, she added: "The bifold doors are going to take a massive amount of selling space which I think is counterproductive."

Sue, who only wished to give her first name, has been trading at the market for around 15 years.

She said she agrees some things need to be improved but has concerns about "the level of change".

"Things like lighting and heating, nicer doors and a lick of paint. We want some basic stuff just so it makes it nicer for us to trade in."

John, who has been trading in the market for ten years, disagrees with the plans, adding it should stay "unchanged and unspoilt".

He admitted the market needs some work but doesn't think the designs are needed.

He said plans "make it look like an airport departure lounge".

"It is indoor market, not a building to be comfortable in", he added.

Trader Jeanette Von Berg also said she wants the market "left as it is" but agreed that new heating and doors are needed.

Teresa Moon, owner of Moonshine Curiosities, said: "I have my concerns with it being modern because this at the moment has still got that nice market feel."

Teresa Moon. (Image: Newsquest) She also shared concerns about plots having glass bifold doors across them and if this will mean she will lose space.

Sarah Clarke, at Genevieve Boutique, said: "It needs to be enhanced but it still needs to retain that community character. I welcome the change. It needs upgrading and it will be great to have glass doors either end to have a beautiful entrance way."

Sarah Clarke. (Image: Newsquest) Neil Barnes, at Pics n Bits, has been trading in Devizes for four years, he said: "A bit more modern isn't an issue, I think the need to sort out the heating and air movement and electric doors of some kind is a positive.

"I think if they do too much, they will kill the whole feeling of the market."

Neil Barnes (Image: Newsquest) Helen Mills, owner of Suna Clean Body Care, added: "I agree work needs to be done. I think the drainage needs sorting. My only concern is that The Shambles will be lost with the whole ethos of the plan.”

Helen, who also sells her own pottery, added: "I think the plans are ambitious for £1 million, I can't see them being able to do everything with that money."

Others shared fears about what will happen when work starts.

Trader Helen Mills. (Image: Newsquest) Town Clerk, Simon Fisher, said: "We are determined to make sure we have a really good vibrant indoor market not just for now but for the next generation. 

"We think the time is now right, the building is not in terrible condition, but it is deteriorating. There are somethings wrong with the building that need to be put right."

He added: "We want to make sure it is there for future generations our plan is not to destroy what is good about the building. We are just trying to knock off some of the things that are not good about the building."

He said the council will take concerns into account when reviewing the plans.

If work goes ahead, he said that discussions are underway to support traders.

He added "Our plan is to work with the traders, we need to look after them during the refurb process," he added.

Mr Fisher's full response will be published separately.