Cockington Creative Centre

The £2.85 million regeneration project at Cockington comprised the restoration of the Grade II* listed Cockington Court manor house, establishing a creative centre of excellence with new workspace, visitor centre, exhibition space, outdoor entertainment area, and an education and skills training venue. The ambitious project aims to be a catalyst for regeneration in the wider area of Torbay.

Cockington regeneration was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment, through the Sea Change initiative, with the balance provided by Torbay Council and Torbay Development Agency.

Cockington has long been a unique selling point for Torbay visitors, and is treasured by residents as a local heritage gem.

The court itself is on a site first recorded in the Domesday Book and built upon over the centuries, reflecting a variety of architectural periods. Prominent families in English history - the Carys and the Mallocks - owned the estate, and as a youngster, crime novelist Agatha Christie was a regular visitor, appearing in family theatricals staged on the front lawn.

Today Cockington Court is home to a working craft centre with a range of artisans including a glassblower, blacksmith, painters, ceramicists, textilers and jewellery makers.

Despite its timeless charm, recent decades saw a cycle of disinvestment and failure to keep up with the needs of an increasingly discerning visitor market with modern access requirements.

Like much of Torbay, which boasts a rich variety of architectural and cultural features thorough conservation was needed to restore the popular attraction to its rightful place on an international stage for culture and heritage.

The regeneration project has transformed the former stately home into a creative hub, accessible to all, including purpose-built workspace with business start-up support, whilst maintaining the integrity of the historic site.

The project will benefit the wider Torbay community by improving the tourism offer, increasing visitor numbers, raising skills, providing employment opportunities and developing pride in the environment and culture.

The project is strengthened by partnership with the Devon Guild of Craftsmen, Dartington Hall Trust, Creative Torbay, South Devon College and the English Riviera Tourism Company to establish Cockington as a premier craft centre and leading visitor attraction.