A team of consultants has been appointed to develop a resilient way forward for Oldway Mansion in Paignton.  

After we successfully secured almost £150,000 of National Lottery Heritage Funding for our ‘Developing a resilient future for Oldway’ project, a team of experts are now developing a Masterplan and Conservation Management Plan for the mansion and estate.

Exeter based LHC Design Ltd have been appointed as the main contractor and bring with them significant experience of working with historically important sites. LHC Design Ltd are 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 our primary community partner, has decided to cease operating. The Oldway Trust were instrumental in helping us 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.”

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. I’d like to thank The Oldway Trust for their invaluable help, support, and guidance in getting us to this position.”

Paul Osborne, Urban Design Director for LHC Design, said; “We are excited to be working with Torbay Council and the project team to develop proposals for the repurposing of Oldway. We’re looking forward to talking to the community about the future of the mansion and its gardens. Which is clearly a much-valued asset in the heart of Paignton.”

It is anticipated that the public will be invited to comment on the project teams proposals during the spring of 2023. Information on ways to get involved will be publicised by us in due course. Anyone wanting to stay up to date with this project and other projects happening in Paignton are encouraged to sign up to the Paignton Projects newsletter. 

LHC Design Ltd have 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. https://lhc.net/

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