FAQs

Find below answers to your questions about the Torre Abbey restoration project.  Other interesting facts are also available on the Twenty Things You Never Knew About Torre Abbey page.

• Why are the gardens closed?
• Will the ownership of the gardens change?
• What will happen to the gardens over the next three years?
• What will be the difference?
• Why will people have to pay to visit the Abbey gardens in future? Couldn't they have been kept as a resource for the whole town?
• How can you help?

Why are the gardens closed?

There are three main reasons why we have decided to close the gardens until 2008.

1. Health and safety - This is not remedial work that will be taking place.  We will have very large vehicles coming in and out of the grounds and there is a danger of flying debris whilst work to the outside of the building takes place.
2. Security - Due to recent vandalism, particularly to the Palm House, it has become increasingly important to be able to secure the Abbey and gardens whilst the restoration work is under way.  It would be very difficult for the contractor to secure the Abbey if the gardens were still accessible.
3. Economical benefits - The Palm House costs at least £6,000 per year to heat and maintain.  We sought advice from an expert from the Eden Project, who reported that the plants within the Palm House are capable of surviving in the mild conditions that we have here in Torbay.  We will also be able to cut back on gardening costs, and to use the money saved in the months leading up to the reopening, when we will be able to restore the gardens to their former glory.

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Will the ownership of the gardens change?

The gardens and Abbey are both owned by Torbay Council.  The gardens are currently managed by the parks section.  However, the Heritage Lottery Fund has indicated that it would prefer the management of the gardens to be transferred to the same cost centre as Torre Abbey, so that they can be managed as one unit.  We intend to do this, but both will remain under the ownership of Torbay Council.

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What will happen to the gardens over the next three years?

The Heritage Lottery Fund requires that the gardens should be developed in sympathy with the house, and that we should have a strategy for developing and enhancing them.  The grant will not cover this work but it does include the construction of a new cloister garden, immediately behind the house.  We are delighted that Four Seasons has agreed to run an education facility and will oversee the renovation of the gardens whilst providing the opportunity for students to gain valuable experience.  This arrangement will enable us to maximise the improvements with the small amount of funds we have available.

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What will be the difference?

We have a fantastic vision for the gardens and before Torre Abbey opens again, we aim to make as many improvements as we can.  We will redesign the beds and will put in more varied, exotic and interesting species of plants to make the gardens a more pleasant and interesting place to visit.

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Why will people have to pay to visit the Abbey gardens in future? Couldn't they have been kept as a resource for the whole town?

It is too early to confirm details but our intention is to introduce a small charge.  The extra income will be used to improve the gardens by employing full-time gardeners, and to advertise them so that more people can come and enjoy the gardens.  We have no desire to deprive local people of a facility that has been enjoyed for generations.  In fact there will be a new cafeteria for them to use and a new car park that will make it easier for visitors and elderly persons to visit the gardens, once the work has been finished.

Our charging policy will reflect this commitment.  Local people who want to visit the gardens will be able to buy a very cheap season ticket (yet to be determined but will be in the region of £2 - £2.50 per year).  There will also be free entry for members of the Friends of Torre Abbey.  Extensive research in 2002 with over 400 visitors to the garden showed that the majority of visitors thought that they looked neglected and many said they would pay a modest entry fee to help maintain the gardens after restoration.  It is against European law to charge holidaymakers but to let local people in without charging.

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How can you help?

Although there have been significant contributions towards the project there nevertheless remains a significant capital shortfall.  The completion of the project now depends on whether the council and Friends of Torre Abbey are able to raise the money.

If you would like to contribute towards the project please refer to the Friends of Torre Abbey website where you can download a donation form and find out more about the great work that the group does.

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