The Exchange is a multi purpose building offering a high degree of flexibility for a wide range of uses. It is a community centre, an arts centre and a learning centre. Offering great potential for community, leisure and entertainment activities,
The Exchange also delivers a business orientated dimension.

A short history…

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.