Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster has welcomed today’s (Saturday 12th March 2022) announcement two projects in Torbay will receive a total of £3,456,663 from the Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund.
The announcement will see just under £3m invested into the final phase of work to revitalise the Paignton Picture House. This vital funding will allow for the repurposed Paignton Picture House to be a flexible mixed-use space, providing both 35mm and digital projection; community events; public access and engagement with the archive; celebrating local film heritage; and providing income generation through a catering offer that complements the surrounding area.
Torre Abbey Conservation will also receive £468,993.
The Cultural Investment Fund is the Government’s flagship investment in galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural venues to help improve people’s access to the arts and drive economic growth in our thriving cultural sector. Initially announced in late 2019, this package of funding for our cultural infrastructure aims to support locally-led cultural projects, museums, and public libraries. Today the Government is announcing a total of £48 million worth of projects from this fund.
The funding was confirmed in a letter to Torbay’s MP Kevin Foster from the Department for Culture Media and Sport.
Commenting, Kevin said:
“This is fantastic news for our bay. The Paignton Picture House is a historic and cultural gem which has stood at the heart of the town for over a century, with many having fond memories of seeing classic films there over the years and sitting in the seat which was once Dame Agatha Christie’s favourite. After sitting empty for two decades it is now set to re-open and be as much part of Paignton life in the 21st century as it was in the 20th.”
He added:
“The work of the team at the Paignton Picture House Trust has been exceptional. This latest funding is another endorsement of their fantastic work on behalf of the whole community to not just revitalise a building, but the heart of the town.”
