For the past decade, the stunning art nouveau style Pavilion overlooking the seafront in Torquay, Devon has sat neglected and crumbling. Now, after months of campaigning and negotiating, it looks like it could be restored to its former glory.
Since opening in 1912, the Grade II-listed building has served as a theatre, a cinema, a shopping centre and an ice rink. It was once described as ‘an exuberant seaside building with an interesting construction and exceptional ironwork’.
However, the Pavilion closed and was fenced off to the public in 2012, then left to deteriorate. Locals have been fighting to save it and there have been lots of negotiations over the last few months.
Finally, it’s been agreed that the Pavilion will come back under the full control of the local council and will be officially handed over in early 2024. That’s when restoration work can begin.
In a press release, Torbay Council said: ‘This momentous step now means that the council can develop its funding strategy and long-term restoration plan that will once again see Torquay’s most significant landmark open to the public.’
Dave Thomas, leader of the council, said: ‘We have been working hard in the background for months to reach a solution. I am delighted that we can end 2023 with a way forward for this iconic building.
‘We know how important the Pavilion is to the local community and I hope this news really shows our commitment to bringing it back into use.’
Restoring Britain
Loads of iconic sites around the UK have been getting some much-needed TLC lately. Parts of the legendary Brighton Dome have recently reopened after a six-year makeover, this Yorkshire heritage railway is getting a revamp and Norwich Castle is getting a spectacular £15 million glow-up. There’s also a big campaign happening to save Britain’s oldest sauna, so keep an eye on that!
Did you see that it’s now illegal to park on the pavement in Scotland?
Plus: here’s how locals are planning to stop the controversial Stonehenge tunnel.
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