After months of negotiations, the Pavilion is about to be back in our hands and a plan is in the pipeline to restore the building to its former glory.

As 2023 draws to a close, we have agreed an initial deal with the leaseholder of the Pavilion to bring the Grade II Listed building back under our full control.

This momentous step now means that we can develop a funding strategy and long-term restoration plan that will once again see Torquay’s most significant landmark reopen to the public.

Commercially sensitive discussions to agree a deal concluded last week, legal teams are now finalising the terms, ready for us to be formally handed back the building in early 2024.

The Pavilion is one of Torquay's Town Investment Plan (TIP) priority projects that is supported by £2million of Towns Funding.

Cllr Dave Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said; "We have been working hard in the background for months to reach a solution. I am delighted that we can end 2023 with a way forward for this iconic building.

"We know how important the Pavilion is to the local community and I hope this news really shows our commitment to bringing it back into use."

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth for Torbay Council, said; "This is significant milestone not only for the Pavilion but the people of Torbay.

"We're also already having discussions with a potential occupier that will enhance our growing cultural offer.

"2023 really has been an incredible year for Torbay and we're excited to see more positive outcomes in 2024."

In early 2024, Council officers will begin work to bring together a specialist heritage team that can move the restoration project forward. We are estimating that work on the restoration project will begin in mid to late 2024. Further information and detail will be available in due course.

Pictured from left to right, Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth and Cllr Dave Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council