West Tower of Oldway Mansion needs essential conservation work

Torbay Council has appointed specialist teams to carry out essential conservation work to the West Tower after recent inspections uncovered deterioration to the roof coverings and dormers.

Under the supervision of a Historic Environment Officer and a Conservation Architect, vegetation will be cleared from the area and scaffolding erected around the tower. This setup will facilitate access for inspection and assessment and will later be adapted to support the next stages of restoration.

Part of the scaffolding will extend into the existing fenced-off area along Oldway Road, the current traffic lighting system will remain unchanged to ensure public safety and traffic flow.

Historic England has been consulted throughout the planning of these essential works, and proposals have been reviewed in collaboration with the conservation team. A grant funding application has been carefully prepared and submitted to support essential repairs to the roof, floors, and structural framework of the West Tower.

The first phase of restoration at Oldway Mansion is now in progress, supported by £8 million in UK Government funding and an additional £1 million committed by Torbay Council. Visitors to the site will have noticed the intricate scaffolding now enveloping the main mansion. This is a vital preparatory step ahead of the extensive roof repair works scheduled to commence later this year, with completion expected by the end of 2027.

Inside the building, cherished historical artefacts have been carefully removed and placed in secure storage, or sensitively boarded up to protect them from potential damage during restoration. Restoration works are expected to span several years before full completion. A full budget for the restoration project has yet to be confirmed and will require collaboration between the council and both public and private sector partners.

Members of the public are welcome to continue enjoying the grounds of Oldway and the sporting facilities available on site. However, for health and safety reasons, access to the building remains strictly prohibited. Breaching the security hoarding or attempting to enter the premises is both illegal and extremely dangerous.

Recent incidents of trespassing, now under police investigation, have resulted in thousands of pounds worth of damage, placing further strain on an already stretched restoration budget. The council and contractor urge all visitors to respect the site boundaries and support the ongoing efforts to preserve Oldway for future generations.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said; "This phase of restoration at Oldway Mansion is one of the most complex projects within Torbay's capital programme, and every effort is being made to ensure its long-term preservation. While work has not yet commenced on the surrounding buildings, the identification of essential repairs needed at the West Tower highlights the team’s diligence and unwavering commitment to safeguarding the entire site.”