A masterplan to safeguard the future of one of Devon's most historic houses is being launched.
Torbay Council is commissioning a team of consultants led by Exeter-based LHC Design to conserve Oldway Mansion after securing almost £150,000 of National Lottery Heritage Funding.
They are now developing a Masterplan and Conservation Management Plan for the mansion and estate for the ‘ Developing a resilient future for Oldway ’ project.
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Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said: “The development of a viable Masterplan is such an important step to bring Oldway back into use. We know it’s what the community wants and over the next six months the community will have opportunities to help shape the future of Oldway."
Built in the 1870s as a private residence for the Singer family of sewing machine fame, it was later remodelled in the turn of the century to resemble the Palace of Versailles.
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It was later used as offices for Torbay Council before it moved out in 2013 to make way for hotel plans which never materialised.
The tea room continued to be run by volunteers and the gardens maintained by a volunteer group.
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Now, Exeter based LHC Design Ltd have been appointed as the main contractor to develop a long term plan for the estate. The firm has significant experience of working with historically important sites.
LHC Design Ltd is being supported by Avalon Planning and Heritage in partnership with Coreus Group, business planners Carrie Blogg and Caroline Taylor, and evaluation and consultation specialist Melinda Humphrey.
The project, which is being coordinated by Project Director, Katherine Findlay is due to be concluded during the summer of 2023.
Over the next six months, the team will draw up plans and options that could deliver a pathway to get Oldway open and functioning again for the community.
As part of the work, the team will be engaging with and talking to the community about their ideas to develop a shared, sustainable, and financially viable plan.
Oldway’s community partners including the Friends of Oldway, and the Oldway Gardens Volunteer Group continue to play a vital role in making positive changes to the much-loved local site.
The Oldway Trust which was formally set up in June 2021 as the council’s primary community partner, has decided to cease operating.
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The Oldway Trust were instrumental in helping the council to develop and submit its National Lottery Heritage Funding bid.
Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “Using funding secured by us from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and matched with a contribution of £87,500 from Torbay Council, and with a team in place, we are now able to really start moving forward with plans for Oldway. I’d like to personally thank the volunteer groups for their ongoing support and the time they dedicate.”
It is anticipated that the public will be invited to comment on the project teams proposals this spring.
LHC Design Ltd has worked on several projects in the Bay, including the Conservation Management Plan for Princess Gardens in Torquay, designs for the proposed Clennon Valley Green Link, as well as a long-standing relationship with South Devon College, including their award winning Hi-Tech & Digital Centre.
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