Torre Abbey refurbishment

Restoration of abbey unveils hidden secrets
23 March 2007
Western Morning News

A £6.5 MILLION refurbishment of an historic South Devon abbey is well under way.

Work has started on the first phase of the scheme to transform the medieval and Georgian Torre Abbey, Torquay, into a year-round educational facility and tourist attraction. But while it is progressing well, it has not been without its difficulties. Contractors have discovered that a late 18th-century staircase attached to the corner of the south range of the site is in danger of collapse.

Work is continuing to try to stabilise the structure by underpinning the walls, removing a buttress, inserting new lintels above the doors and windows, and removing parts of the wall. It is believed the stonework surrounding the staircase and building, put up between 1770 and 1801, was poorly built, without adequate foundations.

But elsewhere, work is progressing well on the first phase of the project. Kier Western, which was awarded the contract by Torbay Council, is due to complete the scheme in 2008.

Dr Michael Rhodes, head of museum services at Torbay Council, said: "After so many months of stripping back, it is exciting to see parts of the abbey coming back to life. Kier and their sub-contractors pay particular attention to detail, which in a restoration project of this kind is invaluable, and the results are starting to show. The repair and regeneration project has taught us a lot about the history of the building and unveiled many pleasant surprises in the last 12 months."

These include late 17th-century window frames, a rare 14th-century grave slab and an 800-year-old colour scheme - all of which will be on display when the abbey reopens."

The first phase will see the site made more accessible for people with disabilities, including a new entrance and ticketing and reception areas, while a cloister garden will be the main feature of both abbey and gardens.

After 12 months of stripping down the building, a team of specialist contractors is also now applying lime plaster to the internal walls.

Elsewhere, a late 18th-century fireplace has been returned to its rightful place after being moved to the entrance hall in about 1918, while electrical work is nearing completion and radiators are being installed.

The base of the new lift shaft has also been constructed, and a second entrance has been made to the chapel for wheelchair-users.

New leadwork and slates are being fixed over the south-west range after extensive roof repairs, and a series of late 17th-century windows are being restored, with new window sills.

The two halves of a large medieval washbasin - formerly used by canons to wash their clothes - have also been reunited after being divided by a wall for the last three centuries.