Torbay Council and its community partner the Oldway Trust, supported by the Friends of Oldway and the Oldway Gardens Group have secured almost £150,000 of National Lottery Heritage Funding.
The successful bid submission ‘Developing a resilient future for Oldway’ means longer term options can be explored and a Masterplan and Conservation Management strategy for the mansion and estate can be moved forward.
Over the next 15 months the Council and the Oldway Trust will work together to deliver a range of outcomes. Together they will help to identify a resilient and sustainable future for Oldway, and also build upon the fantastic work already undertaken by the community.
The resilience project which includes a £30,000 contribution from Torbay Council is an important and essential first step to restore and give Oldway a new lease of life within the community.
A full-time project manager will be appointed to drive the project forward and to help co-ordinate the master planning process. Visitors to Oldway can continue to enjoy the gardens and tearooms. As the project moves forward, visitors will also be able to take part in group activities that will improve physical and mental wellbeing.
Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of the Council said; “Oldway has been at the heart of Paignton for many years and is one of the finest heritage sites in the South West. This is an exciting time for Oldway and the community who have worked incredibly hard to transform the site. A big part of the Oldway resilience project is about building the capacity and capability of its partners, volunteer and community organisations. This funding will allow us to support Oldway’s volunteers and develop new ways of working so that the future of Oldway is informed and shaped by the community.”
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said; “Securing this funding is fantastic news. Oldway is hugely important to Paignton and Torbay, not only for its heritage but for its role at the heart of the community. This project will allow us to embark on realising our wider vision for Oldway, which is to re-store and re-open Oldway, such that it has a sustainable future with benefits for local people and visitors to Paignton and Torbay.”
Paul Hawthorne, Chair of the Oldway Trust, said; “This funding is the first step in getting Oldway to where it ought to be – one of Paignton’s star venues and attractions. We will now be able to move forward and develop the frameworks and structures that are needed to get Oldway Mansion open and functioning again for all. This means things are definitely moving and is a great reward for everyone’s patience.”
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