Client: Torbay Council
Construction budget: £2.8million
Completion: 2011

“I am delighted with the results of this sensitive regeneration project to develop a creative centre of excellence in Torbay.” Steve Parrock, Torbay Development Agency

Cockington Court, a manor house and craft centre situated within the grounds of a country park in Cockington Village, Torquay, underwent a major transformation following a £2.8 million scheme to regenerate the historic attraction and transform it into an innovation workspace for creative businesses.

The masterplan looked carefully at improving access, maintaining important historic vistas and creating positive relationships with the landscape.

The scheme comprises a mixture of refurbishment and new build. The existing Grade II* Listed manor house has been improved through extensive structural repair renovation and conversion into modern offices. Three new buildings totalling 500 sq m house 15 new units including art spaces, galleries, craft studios and community facilities. All the units are arranged around a central public space which has been created for performances, markets and exhibitions.

Environmental sustainability and life cycle performance were a key consideration. The new buildings will achieve a BREEAM Excellent rating with Cockington Court set to achieve a Very Good rating. Structurally insulated panel systems (SIPs) were used to construct the building, these are made of sustainable materials and delivering very high insulation levels.  A biomass boiler is used for heating and has the capacity to connect Cockington Court to future developments, and solar panels provide hot water to the new buildings.

Throughout Cockington Court, access for people with disabilities has been improved, wayfinding has been improved by opening up vistas and permanent art installations have been placed at key locations such as peripheral entrance gates and bridges over the boundary streams. To encourage more visitors, there is enhanced signage at key points on the approach to the village and court..

Cockington Court is a major attraction in Torquay. The project ambition was to sustain and grow visitor numbers, ensure its profitability and become self-sufficient in its future upkeep.

Torbay Development Agency Chief Executive, Steve Parrock, said: “I am delighted with the results of this sensitive regeneration project to develop a creative centre of excellence in Torbay. Delivering a large scale project on a listed building in a conservation area revealed structural difficulties but potential problems were overcome by a close working relationship with English Heritage to restore heritage features. Torbay intends to harness the unique attraction as a driver for tourism and employment.”

Images: Foto+