Paignton Picture House revival finally underway

The long-awaited final transformation of another of Torbay’s historic gems is finally underway.

A grand opening of the Paignton Picture House is now planned for next year after an £8 million project to restore Agatha Christie’s favourite cinema to its former glory.

The ambitious redevelopment and latest all-important phase has been made possible with support from Torbay Council alongside generous contributions from Arts Council England, the Colwinston Trust, Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust and a successful public fundraising appeal. It comes after various starts and stops to the regeneration scheme. 

Cllr Chris Lewis, council deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth, said: “The Paignton Picture House is an iconic building in the heart of the town centre. The partnership approach being taken ensures that together we can successfully bring the building back into active use to create a vibrant and community cultural hub.” 

Above: Inside Paignton Picture House

Julian Carnell, of the Paignton Picture House Trust, added: “It’s fantastic news that, after years of effort, restoration of Paignton’s historic cinema has started There’s a lot of work still to do, but this is a significant milestone on our way to the grand opening next year.” 

The new chapter for the historic cinema is being led by AOC Architecture and an expert design team.

The Grade II* listed building is being sensitively reimagined and redeveloped to create a vibrant cultural destination – a home for film that also welcomes creative, educational, and community uses. 

The transformed auditorium will sit beneath the spectacular barrel-vaulted ceiling, with a newly constructed floor offering level access, improved sightlines, and upgraded seating across the stalls, balcony, and boxes. 

Original features including the marble mosaic floor, arts and crafts staircase, and stained-glass windows will be meticulously conserved, forming a welcoming new foyer on Torbay Road. 

Reinstated openings will introduce light and visual connection between old and new. A carefully designed sandstone extension will complement the historic fabric of the building, housing a new lift and stairwell to ensure full accessibility to all floors – including a new second-floor studio for education and performance. 

Sustainability is at the heart of the redevelopment, with thermal upgrades, air source heat pumps, and rooftop solar panels reducing energy usage and generating clean electricity on site. 

Planning permission and listed building consent were secured in July 2023, following the dedicated efforts of AOC Architecture and project partners – a crucial step that enabled the transformation to proceed. The initial enabling works focused on critical structural repairs and the sensitive removal and preservation of original features. 

During this phase, the discovery of the cinema’s original 1914 screen configuration behind modern additions added another layer of historic richness to the project. 

A specialist team for heritage construction company Corbel, specialists in the conservation and adaptation of historic and listed buildings, is delivering the main phase of the redevelopment. Their experienced team is now on site, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality to honour the building’s heritage while preparing it for a 'dynamic future'. 

Completion is scheduled for next summer.

Founded in 1914, Paignton Picture House is one of Europe’s earliest purpose-built cinemas. Celebrated for its superior viewing experience and innovative design – including private boxes and pioneering ventilation – it quickly became a cultural beacon in Torbay. 

The cinema counted the world's most famous author, Torquay-born Dame Agatha Christie among its regulars. She often watched films from her preferred seat in the balcony. 

Closed in 1999 and subsequently placed on Historic England’s “At Risk Register,” the current transformation represents a bold step toward a new era of community and cultural activity. 

The Paignton Picture House Trust which was established in 2013, is a registered charity dedicated to securing the building’s long-term future. Driven by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, the Trust’s vision is to create a vibrant venue offering a diverse programme of mainstream and independent film, live performance, educational opportunities, a café, and community events. Community support remains vital to the project’s success. 

The Trust is looking for more volunteers. Roles include supporting The Projection Room community hub and the ‘Stories Under the Slates’ donation initiative. The  fundraising campaign continues. For more information, visit: www.paigntonpicturehouse.org 

Paignton Picture House was identified as one of the priorities in the Torbay Heritage Strategy. Torbay Council has committed more than £2 million of Future High Streets Funding and secured £3 million of Cultural Development Funding to support its restoration.