Deal paves way for new Pavilion future

Plans to restore Torquay's forlorn Pavilion to its former glory have taken a massive step forward with a new use for the iconic seafront building finally in sight.
After months of negotiations, the Pavilion is about to be back in the hands of Torbay Council and a plan is in the pipeline to give it the kiss of life.
As 2023 draws to a close, the council has agreed a deal with the leaseholder of the Pavilion to bring the Grade II Listed building back under its full control.
The council says in a press release: "This momentous step now means that the council can develop its funding strategy and long-term restoration plan that will once again see Torquay’s most significant landmark open to the public."
Commercially sensitive discussions to agree a deal concluded last week. Legal teams are now finalising the terms, ready for the council to be formally handed back the building in early 2024.
The Pavilion is one of Torquay's Town Investment Plan's priority projects that is supported by £2million of Torquay Town Deal government funding.
Council leader Dave Thomas said: "We have been working hard in the background for months to reach a solution. I am delighted that we can end 2023 with a way forward for this iconic building.
"We know how important the Pavilion is to the local community and I hope this news really shows our commitment to bringing it back into use."
Deputy leader Chris Lewis, also cabinet member for place development and economic growth, said: "This is a significant milestone not only for the Pavilion but the people of Torbay.
"We're also already having discussions with a potential occupier that will enhance our growing cultural offer.
"2023 really has been an incredible year for Torbay and we're excited to see more positive outcomes in 2024."
Early next year council officers will begin work to bring together a specialist heritage team that can move the restoration project forward. The council is estimating that work on the restoration project will begin in mid to late 2024.
It says further information and detail will be available in due course.
The news comes as moves are made to restore another one of Torbay's historic gems - Oldway Mansion.
The former palatial home of the Singer sewing machine family in Paignton has been empty and in sad decline for years.
A £54m restoration plan for the mansion was only agreed by councillors last week with £1m up-front to make the building wind and water tight.
Bringing Oldway back into use as a prestigious wedding and transforming top level buildings into luxury apartments are just part of the masterplan.