Future looks rosy for second phase of Torre Abbey work

TORRE Abbey has passed the first hurdle towards getting vital £2.9million funding towards the second phase of the project which will secure Torquay's oldest building for future generations.

The £6.56million first phase, completed last year, was only enough to finish part of the work needed to protect the ancient monument and refurbish it as a leading art gallery, museum and tourist attraction.

Now the Heritage Lottery Fund, which made a grant of £4.9million towards the first phase, has given Torbay Council the green light to draw up detailed plans for the £5million second phase.

The council has been given £124,000 to help progress the plans for a final bid to be made next year.

It will now draw up detailed designs, appoint a major museum display company to design the museum spaces, an education specialist to draw up outline proposals for the new education suite and educational materials.

The second phase involves restoring the south range of the abbey facing the sea, particularly the leaking mid-18th century lead roof, damaged lintels over the windows and doors and a structurally unsound damp wall.

The ruins behind the mansion will also be repaired and the cloister walks will be completed. They currently have a temporary gravel surface unsuitable for wheelchairs.

More information in the form of touch screen guidebooks, audio guides and museum panels will be provided.

Based on customer feedback and surveys, these changes will reflect the wishes of the majority of abbey visitors.

Torbay Council cabinet member for community services, Dave Butt, said: "This was a difficult stage to win funding for and it is an amazing achievement. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved and the support from the Heritage Lottery Fund we can now move forward to the final round."

Dr Michael Rhodes, head of museum services for Torbay Council, said: "This is fantastic news. The amount of funding available has reduced and there is stiff competition from around the country.

"It is a tribute to the hard work of the team who put the bid together, the support of the Friends of Torre Abbey, the council as a whole and the Torbay Development Agency.

"Torbay Council will be forever grateful for the Heritage Lottery Fund's help and support for the first phase of Torre Abbey's restoration and for this latest development funding."

Torbay Council's heritage champion, Cllr Colin Charlwood, said: "This is fantastic news for Torre Abbey. I would like to thank Dr Rhodes, the Friends, the Heritage Lottery Fund and everyone else who has worked so hard to reach this stage."