Barnstaple, as the largest town in North Devon, provides a hub of services and amenities. Sadly, however, it also now ranks as one of the most deprived communities in Devon, ranking in the top 10% of the IMD (Index of Multiple Deprivation) and in the top 5% for health deprivation.  

Despite these challenges, however, North Devon has so much to offer. There is a wealth of creativity and talent to tap into and a strong sense of community. This is why we are confident we can make The Woodyard a reality if we all play our part.

Charities need a home

The many small charities supporting the communities of North Devon and Torridge need a space to meet. Much of the work is currently carried out in people’s homes, local cafes and tired offices – or remotely, if venues cannot be found. With the lack of a central, accessible venue, our charities often work in isolation. It means that opportunities for people to connect and collaborate are missed and valuable charity time and money is spent on venue hire, refreshments and travel. The opportunity for less formal ‘drop-in’ support for the community is also limited.  

By developing a central accessible community hub in the heart of Barnstaple, The Woodyard would provide a much-needed focal point for charities and community groups to share resources and knowledge. As funding for charity projects and local statutory services is increasingly tight, the benefits of collaboration in a shared space are also particularly important.

This vibrant space would bring charity workers and members of the community together, improve communication and understanding, cut costs and provide opportunities for different and creative ways of working.

Charities would be able to introduce their clients to other services, with individuals able to find a variety of support services in a one-stop environment. 

We are working towards opening the doors to the real-life Woodyard by Autumn 2025.

Services and activities

Our vision of The Woodyard is that of a cohesive community hub, in the heart of Barnstaple Town Centre, easily accessible on foot from the bus and train stations, with carparking nearby.  Based on identified needs, the plan is for The Woodyard to include: 

• a community café at the heart, supported by catering students gaining real-life skills and work experience, alongside other volunteers
• a large ground floor hall, with stage area for creative and arts events, workshops and larger meetings
• a wet/messy studio for arts workshops
• medium/large rooms for creative/group work
• meeting rooms
• small rooms for 1:1/small group work
• office space for individual charities to hire

Who would benefit? 

Bringing the fictional Woodyard to life in Barnstaple would fulfil a real community need – to create a place where even the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people would have a place to call their own and find the help they require more easily. 

In so doing, a wide range of social and economic issues would be addressed. The Woodyard would support those who are educationally and/or economically disadvantaged; elderly; those with mental health and/or wellbeing problems; those with learning disabilities; long term health conditions; troubled families; social isolation; bereavement; young people not attending mainstream education; survivors of abuse; people who are neurodivergent; LGBTQ+; and those from minority communities (migrants, refugees, asylum seekers).

Above all, The Woodyard would provide a warm and welcoming space to bring together individuals, families, charities and support services under the one roof. In the words of Ann Cleeves, it will be “A place where people come together and don’t feel lonely”.

Location 

When Ann originally wrote about The Woodyard she had the Shapland & Petter building in mind. If this was feasible, this would fulfil Ann’s dream. However, the venue currently earmarked for the project is The Castle Centre (25 Castle Street, Barnstaple EX31 1DR), which is a short, level walk from the town centre, car parks and bus station. The building already has a history of use by charities and community groups. 

Centrally located, yet discreet, the Castle Centre is also a quirky building and lays claim to be the first in Barnstaple to boast an indoor toilet!

While some alterations and developments would be required to meet the needs of the Woodyard (kitchen and café, lift, toilets and a general refresh), the building is in good condition, and is not thought to require major structural renovation. Barnstaple Town Council agree it is currently underused so placing The Woodyard here would extend and develop it.

The Castle Centre is therefore the building we have in mind and we are currently talking with Barnstaple Town Council – who are supportive – about our plans. Unless, of course, a better proposal is put forward!

For further information regarding plans for The Woodyard, please get in touch by emailing [email protected].