Agatha Christie research and visitor plan unveiled for Torquay's Pavilion

Torquay's Pavilion could be transformed into a word-renowned Agatha Christie Research and Visitor Centre

It was revealed today that key partners have been in discussion about the Pavilion becoming the place to showcase the life and work of Torbay's most famous daughter.

Since taking back the ownership of the Pavilion at the end of 2024, Torbay Council has started the process of identifying the works needed to make the waterfront building safe and water-tight and the requirements that will be needed to bring the building back into a usable state. It is estimated that this work will take place over the next 12 to 18 months.  

In the meanwhile, an appropriate end use of the building will need to be considered and developed. A first meeting of the council's political Leadership and senior officials, a member of the Agatha Christie family and potential funders was held on March 27. This included attendees from national heritage and culture bodies, a representative of the Agatha Christie Festival and Agatha Christie Limited.  

The council says that whilst there is still a long way to go, the parties present have agreed to look at the opportunity that the Pavilion provides, to be the home for an Agatha Christie Research and Visitor Centre and its potential to be developed and anchored around the utilisation of the Agatha Christie Archive as well as the relevance of her works to Torbay.

This significant step would build upon the legacy of the world-renowned author and will be further considered as an opportunity for the use of the Pavilion building. 

Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said; “Agatha Christie is undoubtedly the most famous former resident of Torbay. Her contribution to the literary world is unparalleled, with much of her work taking inspiration from her experiences in and around the area. Showcasing her life and works at the Pavilion would not only honour her legacy but provide a glimpse into the woman she was. 

“With the newly unveiled statue nearby on Torquay’s harbourside we hope this is the start of a new era of celebrating Agatha Christie to local, national and international audiences.”

At this time the council does not know when discussions are likely to conclude and would be subject to competitive bidding processes and commercial deals.