Pavilion's iconic Mercury statues to come down

The two iconic Mercury statues located on the turrets of Torquay's Pavilion seafront building are to be carefully removed during renovation work.

A large crane will be on site from today, October 27, to assist a specialist team in lifting and safely storing the striking external features which face Vaughan Road. The statues will be reinstalled at a later stage of the current restoration project.

Since the start of the year, Torbay Council’s appointed contractor MW Benney has been on site carrying out detailed investigative works to help the project team fully understand the condition of the building.

This phase of work is due to be completed in December at which point the contractor will demobilise from the site. The information that has been gathered throughout the year will be reviewed and analysed to determine the full scope of restoration works required and the level of funding needed to bring the building back into use.

Recent preservation efforts have also included the careful removal and logging of the striking stained glass and sash windows. All items have been securely stored to ensure their conservation and eventual reinstatement.

Torbay Council says the measures are essential to protect the Pavilion’s original features from potential damage—whether from future restoration works or unauthorised access to the building and site compound.

Over the summer, Torbay Council’s restoration team were pleased to have engaged local primary schools in the early stages of the project, offering students the opportunity to learn about the building’s significance and share their ideas on how a fully restored Pavilion could celebrate Torbay’s rich cultural heritage.

As part of the ongoing community engagement programme, the project team will be welcoming members of the Torbay Civic Society for a guided tour of the building next month.

This visit will offer insight into the investigation work and highlight opportunities for community groups to support future efforts.

The Council says it is committed to securing a long-term, financially sustainable use for the building, and is actively seeking collaborative partnerships to help attract essential restoration funding.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said: "Since Torbay Council regained full control of the Pavilion at the end of 2024, the project team has made significant progress in planning for its full restoration.

"The work carried out throughout 2025 has been a vital step in deepening our understanding of the building’s unique complexities and heritage value. We’ve also taken important measures to preserve and conserve many original features, carefully storing them for future reinstatement.

“We’re pleased to have begun involving community members of all ages in this journey. The team is working hard not only to develop a robust restoration plan, but also to secure a long-term use for the building that will attract visitors to Torbay year-round.”