• Forging Ahead with Lottery Bid
    08/09/2009

    Torbay Council is submitting a multi-million pound bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the second phase of renovations to Torre Abbey. 

    Photo: Steve Turton

    The  application for £2.95m funding has now be completed and the council will find out if it's been successful by November.  If the bid is successful, the council will start work immediately in a detailed bid application.  This will involve detailed design, the appointment of a major museum display company to design the museum spaces and the appointment of a educational specialist to draw up outline proposals for a new education suite and gallery. 

    In 2004 the HLF awarded a substantial £4.9m grant towards the £6.56m first phase of work, which has transformed the main parts of the Abbey.  Since opening in July, visitor numbers have exceeded predictions.  The second phase of works will cost about £5m.  It involves restoring the south range of the Abbey, particularly the leaking mid-18th Century lead roof , damaged lintels of the windows and doors and a structurally unsound damp wall.  The ruins behind the manison, which contain important archaeological information, will also be repaired and cloister walks completed.

    Cabinet Member for Community Services, Councillor Dave Butt , said: "The continued restoration of  Torre Abbey is one of the largest heritage projects in the whole of the Westcountry and it will allow this important site to continue to play a significant role in promoting tourism and creating a sense of local identity."

    Dr Michael Rhodes, Head of Museum Services for Torbay Council, said: "Phase one of the restoration has been a great success and I'm extremely pleased so many epople have visited the Abbey since it reopened.  The overwhelming majority of visitors say the Abbey is good or very good and regard it as good value for money.  However, they would like much more information about the history of the house.  That is why we want to create historic rooms and provide more information in the form of touch screen guidebookes, audio guides and museum panels during this second phase of works.  This will transform the quality and standard of interpretation at the Abbey.

    Councillor Colin Charlewood, Heritage Champion, is supporting this ambitious bid: " Torre Abbey represents the heart of Torbay's heritage and I am delighted we are pushing ahead with the next bid for funding.  The bidding process has become much more competitive than in previous years...We are doing everything possible to put the best case forward for Torbay."

    For more details on Torre Abbey's HLF bid please contact torre-abbey@torbay.gov.uk.

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