Work is to start to repair the roofs at one of Torbay ‘s most historic buildings. Torbay Council says restoration work will begin at Oldway Mansion in Paignton in February.
Phase 1 of the Oldway Mansion restoration project is being funded by £1million committed by Torbay Council, and £8million of government funding. Repairing the 13 different types of roofs to the main mansion is a major step forward in restoring and preserving Oldway, but there is still a long way to go before the building can reopen to the public.
Full restoration will be phased over several years and will require the council to work with its public and private sector partners, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.
Oldway Mansion is one of the largest and grandest Victorian buildings in the South West. It was built by sewing machine magnet Isaac Singer in 1873 and modelled on the Palace of Versailles. It was later used as a wartime hospital before passing into the ownership of the council and put use as a civil wedding venue and council meeting space.
Oldway Mansion in Preston, Paignton
(Image: DevonLive)
In recent years, it has fallen into a state of disrepair. Although the mansion and other buildings on the site have been empty for several years, local volunteers have worked hard to keep the gardens open to visitors.
Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Development growth at Torbay Council, said; “Making Oldway Mansion wind and watertight is an essential first step in restoring the building that we know is cherished by so many in the community.
“The closure of the car park for a significant amount of time is going to unfortunately cause some inconvenience. However, the closure is necessary to allow us to move forward with this restoration project that the community has wanted for so long.
Work to repair and restore the roofs at Oldway Mansion starts in February
(Image: Torbay Council)
“During the restoration work, visitors are welcome to continue enjoying the grounds which are maintained by a dedicated team of volunteers”.
The car park will be closed throughout the duration of the works, which are expected to take a minimum of two years to complete. The closure of the car park is needed to accommodate scaffolding, a contractor site compound and safe controlled working zones.
The closure of the car park will take effect from Wednesday, January 15, when contractors begin to mobilise, and scaffolding starts to be put up around the external walls of the main building.
The grounds of Oldway and Torbay Country Bowling Club will remain open. Access to Little Oldway Residential Home will be maintained at all times throughout the work.
All visitors to the Oldway site are asked to find alternative nearby on-street parking or to walk, cycle or travel by bus to the location. Motorists should avoid parking on drive leading to the car park (from Torquay Road) during the day as the road will need to be kept clear to accommodate large delivery vehicles. Limited parking will continue to be available on Bowlers Way.
No vehicles will be able to enter or exit the grounds from Oldway Road.