Cultural Development Fund transforming the historic Paignton Picture House
Cultural partners working together to reopen Paignton Picture House
Torbay Council, the Paignton Picture House Trust, the board of Torbay Culture, the Agatha Christie Festival and South Devon College are working in partnership to progress our shared ambitions to see the landmark Picture House reopen, as part of improvements in the heart of Paignton.
The Council on behalf of the consortium made an application to the government’s Cultural Development Fund (CDF), securing almost £3m. This is primarily capital investment which goes alongside Future High Streets Fund, and grants from Historic England, the Architectural Heritage Fund and others, to support the conservation, construction and fit-out works at the historic Picture House.
Opened in 1914, the grade II* listed Paignton Picture House is one of Europe’s oldest purpose-built cinemas. Currently on the national Heritage At Risk Register, it is recognised as one of the priorities in the Torbay Heritage Strategy. The Picture House is also a central part of the Future High Streets Fund plans for Paignton, which will also see Torbay Road and Station Square improved.
CDF funding will also support skills and training opportunities through a digital engagement programme, a locally designed creative programme, and the evaluation of the work we are doing, so we have evidence to support further investment in Torbay’s heritage and culture.
Updates on capital work progress
Architects AOC have worked closely with the Picture House and the project team to develop proposals which respect the heritage of the site and meet the needs of the present day.
A local Co-design panel includes residents and they have been part of the process of creating a revived Picture House for the twenty-first century.
Planning and listed building consent applications have been submitted following consultation with Historic England and Torbay Council Planning.
Physical works are scheduled to be underway later this year. Once completed, this much loved heritage landmark can be removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.
Supporting programme during 2023/24 and 2024/25
A creative programme is being coordinated by Filament Works, involving local culture and heritage organisations - including Doorstep Arts, Paignton Library, Palace Theatre and Sound Communities, among others. Through a new working group, the ‘StoryBoard’, they are collaboratively shaping this creative programme for Paignton.
The first commission call outs for the creative programme are being advertised now - closing date 20 June. Information on how to apply is available at Filament Works. Commissions focus on opportunities for artists and communities to develop new work together, building up to a season of cultural events in autumn 2023 that will bid ‘farewell’ to Paignton Picture House in its current form.
The emphasis of the creative programme will be to grow sustainable cultural opportunities locally, building connections between local heritage, culture, and Paignton’s communities. The programme includes opportunities for skills development and internships, as well as new opportunities for locally based producers.
The CDF digital engagement programme is being coordinated by South Devon College working with partners, including Sound Communities.
Students at the college will be working on digital stories about Paignton and Torbay’s heritage, which will create further chapters in our Torbay Story.
“I have been impressed by the collaborative, community-led approach to restoring and reopening the historic Paignton Picture House, with support of the Cultural Development Fund. The project is a shining example of improving coastal towns through culture and heritage to the benefit of local people, businesses and visitors.” - Charlie Courtenay, the Earl of Devon
"Torbay Culture Board is pleased to be working with partners from across Torbay to put Paignton's Cultural Development Fund project at the heart of redevelopment in the town. A cultural programme launching this summer with a farewell to the Picture House before works commence, will, over the next two years, celebrate Paignton and its communities, showcasing the contribution of culture to health, wellbeing, and prosperity for our towns." - Jacob Brandon, Chair of Torbay Culture
"The restoration of Paignton Picture House is a tangible positive step in helping to regenerate Paignton town centre. This is an incredibly exciting project that really demonstrates how multiple organisations can work together to bring a significantly important building back into use for the community.” - Councillor Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Services & Economic Growth, Torbay Council
"The Trust are hugely excited that the shared ambition and vision for the Picture House to return as a vibrant community building is one step further forward with the submission of the full scheme for Planning Permission and Listed Building Consent. It represents over 18-months of focused work by the Trust and our Design Team, supported by a range of community engagement activities such as our Co-Design Group." - Paul Hawthorne, Chair of Paignton Picture House Trust
Background notes
The Cultural Development Fund (CDF) is a Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) fund, administered by Arts Council England.
Torbay is one of seven areas in England to secure investment from the second round of CDF
The CDF is primarily capital investment for the Paignton Picture House with some resource investment to support activities
CDF is more than simply improving a cultural or heritage asset, it is about enabling local improvements in places to make towns more attractive; and encouraging training, skills, and economic growth
To keep up to date visit the Paignton Picture House website. As the work develops, we’ll also be issuing more news through Torbay Council and via the partners
Torbay’s Cultural Development - Paignton Picture House is a collaboration between Torbay Council, Paignton Picture House Trust, Torbay Culture, South Devon College and the Agatha Christie Festival Limited. It is supported by the Cultural Development Fund (CDF), a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) fund, administered by Arts Council England
