The Exchange is the culmination and the focal
point of a remarkable community initiative to take the lead in
the regeneration of our historic market town. The building embodies
many significant themes, the process of regeneration, the active
involvement of local people, architectural quality and environmental
awareness.
In 1997 the livestock market that had made Sturminster Newton
the hub of the Blackmore Vale was closed down. Seven acres of
derelict land were left, only a stone’s throw from the
very centre of town. This was followed in 2000 by the loss of
the prize winning creamery. Residential development started
to expand the population at an ever increasing rate. Contemplating
the loss of amenities and employment opportunities, local people
had the vision to see that the empty site offered an opportunity
to give the town new heart and purpose but that unless the community
found a way to take the initiative the opportunity would be
lost forever.
The result has been a sustained process of community involvement
and the formation of notably successful partnerships with local
authorities. The innovative nature of this partnership working
has attracted attention across the South West and has enabled
the success of a project many thought beyond our reach.
A carefully co-ordinated design for the entire site, by local
architect Philip Proctor, incorporates a new GP surgery, a food
store and other commercial spaces together with The Exchange
which stands at the head of the site. A major priority has been
environmental responsibility, an example of which is the ground
source heat pump as the main heating source, utilising water
from and returned to an aquifer 60 meters below The Exchange.
The Exchange is the centre piece of a ground breaking effort
of regeneration and this important site has been reclaimed to
provide a focus for the town and the network of villages that
is the Blackmore Vale.
