A major public consultation on the future of Torquay’s Pavilion has revealed overwhelming public support for bringing the historic building back into active use, with a strong emphasis on culture, heritage, community access and long-term sustainability.
The consultation ran from Tuesday 6 January to Sunday 25 January 2026 and formed part of a wider Options Appraisal exploring viable future uses for the Grade II listed Pavilion. This work is being carried out by a team of local consultants, supported by funding from Torbay Council, Arts Council England, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The aim of the Options Appraisal is to identify uses that will allow the Pavilion to operate as a financially resilient, year-round visitor attraction, while protecting its historic and cultural value.
Alongside the public consultation, the consultants are also undertaking market analysis and research into similar heritage buildings in other coastal towns. Together, this evidence will inform a shortlist of viable options and lead to a preferred recommendation, expected to be presented to the council at the end of April.
How people got involved
Residents and visitors were invited to take part in two ways.
-An online survey hosted on the council’s website.
-A paper survey available at Torquay Library.
The team also worked to engage young people, visiting two Torbay primary schools and speaking with 35 pupils aged 9 to 11 during the consultation period.
Who responded?
A total of 1,736 people took part. This represents the second highest response level ever recorded by the council’s Engagement and Communications team.
Key demographics included the following.
-77 percent of respondents live in Torbay.
-21 percent live elsewhere in the UK.
-3 percent live outside the UK, showing the Pavilion’s wider significance.
-94 percent were aged over 25.
-55 percent were aged over 55.
-69 percent already take part in arts or cultural activities.
-76 percent said they would attend arts or cultural events at the Pavilion.
Many respondents recalled visiting the Pavilion when it was previously open, while others stressed its importance to Torbay’s regeneration and identity.
What people want to see in the Pavilion
Feedback was analysed using Microsoft Copilot to identify recurring themes from thousands of free-text comments. Several clear priorities emerged.
Food and drink
There is strong support for cafés, restaurants, tea rooms and rooftop or terrace spaces. Many people want to see the upstairs hospitality areas reopened, with harbour views and a preference for 1920s, Palm Court or afternoon tea style experiences.
Arts, culture and exhibitions
There is strong demand for galleries, exhibitions, theatre, live music, talks and workshops. Respondents emphasised the importance of variety and repeat visits rather than a static offer.
Agatha Christie, thoughtfully included
Many support an Agatha Christie centre or programming linked to her legacy, but caution against making her the Pavilion’s sole focus.
Community access
Respondents want the Pavilion to be affordable, inclusive and welcoming to local groups, families and young people, not just tourists.
Heritage and restoration
A strong restore-the-glory sentiment runs throughout the feedback, with widespread support for sympathetic Art Deco restoration.
Events and private hire
Weddings, conferences and events are seen as important for generating income and supporting long-term viability.
What difference could a regenerated Pavilion make?
The most common belief is that a revived Pavilion could become a major driver of regeneration for Torbay.
People highlighted its potential to boost tourism, footfall and local spending, create jobs, improve the look and feel of the harbour and seafront, act as a cultural and heritage anchor, and provide a safe, welcoming community hub, particularly for families and young people.
There was also interest in attracting international visitors, including cruise passengers, by offering something distinctive and high quality.
What people definitely do not want
Respondents were equally clear about what they want to avoid:
-Low-quality retail, beach “tat”, generic shops or shopping-mall style use.
-Arcades, gambling, casinos, nightclubs or loud late-night bars.
-Housing, offices or private uses that restrict public access.
-Big chain brands or corporate operators.
-Café or restaurant chains as the only attraction.
-Unsympathetic modern renovations.
-A static museum with little reason to return.
There was also scepticism around novelty ideas such as permanent ice rinks, which many felt would be financially unsustainable.
Overall message
The consultation reveals a community that cares deeply about the Pavilion and is eager to see it reopened, restored and re-loved.
People want a high-quality, multi-use space offering culture, food, events, exhibitions, learning and social spaces. They want something for all ages, open year-round, and rooted in Torquay’s character. There is strong resistance to anything that feels cheap, exclusive or disconnected from local identity.
Above all, respondents expressed frustration with years of inaction. Many fear that without decisive progress, the Pavilion will continue to decay rather than fulfil its potential as a source of pride for South Devon.
The message from the community is clear. Restore it properly, use it imaginatively, and get on with it.
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