Torbay gets funding to rejuvenate historic sites

Oldway Mansion is one of the sites set to benefit from the Heritage Lottery Fund

Torbay has secured funding to help its communities breathe life into some of its most significant historic sites.

It is the only local authority in the county to receive a share of £200m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Sites to benefit include Oldway Mansion in Paignton, the Paignton Picture House and Berry Head in Brixham.

The fund supports projects based on heritage and culture and aims to address issues such as regeneration, sustainability and employment.

Eilish McGuinness is the chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Eilish McGuinness, chief executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, toured Oldway Mansion, which was built in the 19th Century and is set in 17 acres (69,000 sq m) of gardens and was built by the family behind the Singer Sewing Machine Company.

She said: "It's got everything for me. It's got the heritage building, the story behind this building and the incredible Singer story.

"But, also, outside just walking in the garden, the volunteers, the community; it has really got such potential."

Oldway Mansion has been closed for 10 years, but Torbay Council is now hopeful it can bring it back to life.

"What we need to do is to find a project going forward and stick to that project," said the council's deputy leader, Chris Lewis.

"It could be floor-by-floor; it could be one project in full.

"But what we have got to do is come up with that business plan and, if we do that, we will have a solution for Oldway," he said.