Sea Change funding turns the tide for Torbay

In April of 2008 the TDA was delighted to announce that Torbay was one of three successful authorities set to benefit from up to £4million each as part of a new Government funding programme entitled Sea Change Initiative . A detailed and robust application was submitted in time for the 2 June 2008 deadline. At the time of submission the TDA and Council identified four projects that met the stringent cultural and heritage criteria set by the fund allocators Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)  (CABE).

Project Investment: £2,964,092

Completion Date: April 2011

Partners: Torbay Council, Sea Change Initiative , The European Regional Development Fund

Fund managed by the SWRDA.  The Cockington Court project will create an inspirational new arts space and become a vibrant and cultural hub with incubator space allocated for up and coming creatives. New galleries, residency workshops, studios and teaching facilities will embed high quality crafts within a heritage context. The project is being jointly funded by Sea Change, the European Regional Development Fund and match funding from the Council.

Berry Head is an internationally important heritage site and a natural gateway to the Geopark. It will be transformed by a programme of renewed interpretation, upgraded visitor facilities, increased community involvement and learning opportunities.

To create a trail that leads from Princess Gardens to Royal Terrace Gardens and then on through Torre Abbey to the Cockington project. This project will not only recognise this important and highly visible area of the Bay but will develop a trail, that through sculpture and interpretation will act as an information point for the English Riviera Geopark.

The aim of this project is to celebrate the heritage of this harbour town and bring historical tales back to life with creative interpretation acting as a signpost for the Geopark.

Of the 4 projects identified above, CABE selected 2 which they would support with a total of £2.2 million being awarded to Torbay. The two successful projects for funding are: Cockington Project and Berry Head on the Edge.

The Council’s Sea Change submission, including full details of the projects, is available below from the related documents.

The Cockington Cultural Hub project creates a Centre for Creative Industries in and around the grade II* Cockington Court House.  This project involves repairs to the Cockington Court house and the conversion of the first floor rooms into offices for creative businesses.  In addition, it is delivering a new build suite of purpose-built makers' studios in the grounds, including a resource / teaching area and an administration office.  The project is also enabling the enhancement of transport links and legibility for Cockington.  The overall objective of the project is to enhance the tourism offer at Cockington, increase footfall, and provide a boost to the local economy. There will be best endeavours to encourage those from the deprived wards of Torbay to take up occupancy of these units.

Berry Head on The Edge will be administered by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust , a more detailed overview of the project and further information of the vital work the Trust do in conserving our natural heritage can be found on their website.

Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust’s ‘On the Edge’ project at Berry Head has been completed and has achieved the following milestones: