Torbay Council seeks public views on Torquay Pavilion’s future

Torbay Council has launched a public consultation to help shape the future of Torquay Pavilion, as work begins on a major Options Appraisal for the Grade II listed landmark.

The appraisal, led by a small team of local consultants and backed by funding from Torbay Council, Arts Council England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will explore viable long-term uses for the historic building. The aim is to secure a sustainable, financially resilient future for the Pavilion as a year-round visitor attraction while protecting its cultural and architectural significance.

One of Torbay’s most recognisable buildings, Torquay Pavilion has long held a prominent place in the town’s seafront and remains central to the council’s wider plans for cultural and heritage-led regeneration across the Bay.

The public consultation runs from Tuesday 6 January until Sunday 25 January and is designed to gather ideas and test public opinion on how the Pavilion could be used in the future. Feedback from residents, businesses and other stakeholders will be used to understand the needs and aspirations of different groups, helping to shape a shortlist of potential options.

The council has said it is particularly keen to hear from young people, including those who may never have visited the Pavilion but recognise its importance to Torbay’s identity. It says their views will be vital in understanding how the building could support new cultural activity and create future employment opportunities in the arts sector.

Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, Cllr Chris Lewis, said:
“Torquay Pavilion is one of our most treasured landmarks, and this Options Appraisal is a vital step toward securing its long-term future.

“We want the community to help shape what comes next, and we’re especially keen to hear from young people who may not have been inside the building but understand its importance to Torbay’s identity and future. Their ideas and aspirations will play a crucial role in reimagining the Pavilion as a vibrant, year-round destination that supports our wider cultural regeneration and creates new employment opportunities in the arts and culture sector.

“This consultation is a chance for everyone to influence the Pavilion’s next chapter, and we hope as many people as possible will take part.”

To encourage participation, everyone who takes part in the consultation and consents to be contacted will be entered into a prize draw. Prizes include a pair of tickets to What’s Love Got to Do With It at the Princess Theatre on Sunday 25 January, and a £50 Love2Shop voucher for participants aged under 25. The theatre tickets have been donated by ATG.

Alongside the consultation, consultants are carrying out market analysis and research into similar heritage venues in other coastal towns, looking at what has worked elsewhere and the challenges faced. The findings will be used to develop a shortlist of potential options, which will then be tested before a preferred proposal and business case are put forward.

The outcome of the appraisal is expected to be presented to Torbay Council at the end of April.

Residents can take part by completing the online consultation at www.torbay.gov.uk/torquay-pavilion-future-options/ or by filling in a paper survey at Torquay Library between Wednesday 7 and Wednesday 21 January.