CLIENT: Torbay Council
CONSTRUCTION BUDGET: £2.8 Million
COMPLETION: 2010

Cockington Court, a manor house, craft centre situated within the grounds of a country park in Cockington Village, Torquay, has undergone 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 scheme comprises a mixture of refurbishment and new build. The existing Grade II* Listed manor house has been improved through extensive structural repair, modernisation and conversion into modern offices. Three buildings totalling 500 sq m, built on a car park to the rear of the court, house 15 new units including art spaces, galleries, craft studios and community facilities. All 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.

Accessibility was also important. 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. A green travel plan has been put in place, and a regular bus service and new car parks take visitors to the heart of Cockington Court, lessening congestion in the village.

Extensive public consultation throughout the design process was followed by community involvement during construction. Cockington Court gave young people the opportunity for apprenticeships and others from surrounding areas were employed to complete their community service.

Chris Woodfield, Director Kay Elliott, said: “Cockington Court is a major attraction in Torquay. It wanted to sustain and grow visitor numbers, ensure its profitability and become self-sufficient in its future upkeep. We look set to achieve all of these things while at the same time creating a vibrant, cultural hub that can support creative industry and the arts community.”

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.”

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