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  • About the

    EXCHANGE

    The Exchange is the culmination and the focal point of a remarkable community initiative to take the lead in the regeneration of the historic market town of Sturminster Newton. The building embodies many significant themes; the process of regeneration, the active involvement of local people, architectural quality and environmental awareness.

Our Story

The story of how The Exchange came to be is an extraordinary one, but we aren’t here by accident. How The Exchange came into existence is a story of the biggest upheaval in the town’s history but also a tale of how a community can unite to create something new and lasting.

We believe a healthy town never stops thinking ahead and we work passionately to be a welcoming and inclusive focal point that nurtures a healthy community in Sturminster Newton as one piece of the local infrastructure that is designed and ready to welcome a growing population.

1967

Sturminster Hall

Opened, cost £17000

1997

30th June Sturminster Cattle Market closes.

5 years of community action groups trying to secure the site.

1997

November Contract agreed to purchase the site.

First designs for the Market Site published.

Sturminster Newton Community Centre including 301 seat theatre market hall and offices. Working closely with the community Philip Proctor created a unique and economically successful heart to the town on budget and on time. ARCHITECT: Philip Proctor (Proctor, Watts, Cole, Rutter of Shaftesbury)

2002

May Planning permission

Granted with 2 hours to spare.

2005

April The Exchange:

Concept agreed and name chosen.

June Work starts on Market Site. October £2.5 million secured, builders appointed: Hammonds. November First sod turned on Community buildings site.

2005

April Work starts on The Exchange

August Old Market Hill opened, Station Road closed

2007

The Exchange ‘topped out’

February

30th June market Bell rung, 10 years to the day after Market closed. 1000 visitors attend The Exchange open weekend. 15th July Sturminster Hall closed. September ‘The Ball in the Hall’, Sturminster Newton Rotary celebration. December Official opening by Julian Fellowes

2007

Elizabeth Frink sculpture unveiled

One year celebration event.
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