Oldway Mansion in Paignton will undergo significant restoration starting in February, funded by local and government support
Paignton: Exciting news! Work is finally kicking off to fix the roofs at Oldway Mansion, one of Torbay’s historic gems. The council announced that the restoration will start in February, and it’s about time!
They’ve got a solid plan in place, with £1 million from Torbay Council and an additional £8 million from the government to get things rolling. The first phase focuses on repairing the mansion’s 13 different roof types, which is a big deal for preserving this beautiful building.
But don’t get too excited just yet; it’s going to take a while. The full restoration will happen in stages over several years, and the council will team up with various partners, including The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Historic England.
Oldway Mansion is a real treasure. Built in 1873 by sewing machine tycoon Isaac Singer, it’s modeled after the Palace of Versailles. It even served as a wartime hospital before becoming a wedding venue and meeting space for the council.
Sadly, it’s been looking a bit shabby lately. While the mansion and its surrounding buildings have been empty for years, local volunteers have been doing a fantastic job keeping the gardens nice for visitors.
Cllr Chris Lewis from the council mentioned that making the mansion wind and watertight is a crucial first step. He knows how much the community loves this place, and they’re eager to see it restored.
Of course, there will be some hiccups along the way. The car park will be closed for a while, which might be a pain for some folks. But it’s necessary to get the restoration moving, something the community has been wanting for ages.
Even though the car park will be off-limits, the grounds will still be open for visitors, thanks to the hard work of dedicated volunteers. Just a heads up: the car park closure starts on January 15, so plan accordingly!
For those visiting, it’s best to find nearby street parking or consider walking, cycling, or taking the bus. And remember, no parking on the drive leading to the car park during the day to keep things clear for delivery trucks.
So, while it might be a bit inconvenient for a while, the end result will be worth it. Oldway Mansion is on its way to being restored to its former glory!
