New year, new beginning for Pavilions

As 2014 nears to a close, it marks a fresh start in the exciting project to create a brand new landmark building in Teignmouth.

Demolition of the former Carlton Theatre is complete and the site is ready for construction of the new building which will house arts, business and enterprise.

The new building will be known as Pavilions Teignmouth.

Pavilions Teignmouth was selected from a long list of proposals by its new board of trustees who have been appointed to guide the vision for the centre and shape its future on behalf of everyone who will use it.

Margaret Davidson, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “It’s been so exciting to develop the new brand and a lot of careful consideration and discussion went into it. Pavilions Teignmouth was chosen from a selection and it was felt it best reflected a new beginning and new future for Teignmouth and Teignbridge.

“From idea to design, the idea of a pavilion has been the guiding concept for the building. A lot of emphasis has been placed on creating a light, airy place that complements, rather than imitates, the surrounding listed Georgian and Victorian terraces.”

The rebranding exercise was the first in a number of tasks that the board are undertaking in their new roles as ambassadors for Pavilions Teignmouth. To help explain and inform people about what is going on at the site, three signs have been put up on the hoarding.

Each one has information about different aspects of the project.

They are:

1. A community notice board – this has information on the building works, who’s involved and what’s happening.
2. The ‘Board’s board’ – this will contain information about the trustees including pen portraits, up and coming events and what they’re working on for Pavilions Teignmouth
3. Teignmouth Players – a specially-dedicated resource for the Teignmouth Players, the long-term residents of the former Carlton Theatre, who are now based at the Ice Factory.

A new Facebook page has been set up along with a Twitter account. Visit it at www.facebook.com/pavilions.teignmouth and Twitter @PavilionsTQ14

Cllr Stuart Barker, Teignbridge District Council's Deputy Leader and Executive Spokesman for Assets and Resources, said:

"We are at another stage in the vision, one which is shared by many in Teignmouth, to create an even better place to be with lots more opportunities for arts, business, social and the community.

“Pavilions Teignmouth will bring with it much bigger benefits for Teignbridge. We see this as a place that will attract people from all over but retains its local sense of pride and identity.

"The capital commitment of £2.5million was, we believe, the right one to do on behalf of residents and those who visit Teignbridge. It will be a catalyst for coastal regeneration and an even brighter, prosperous economic future for the district. We are looking forward to the next stage getting underway and watching the new building take shape.”

Cllr Sylvia Russell, one of Teignbridge District Council’s ward members for Teignmouth East, and Executive member for Health and Wellbeing, said: “Although it is sad to see demolition of the Carlton, it is time to look forward to the new opportunities promised by Pavilions Teignmouth. I am sure that everyone will wish the trustees every success as work begins on the construction of this exciting addition to our townscape.”

When the former building was knocked down, a clock that was mounted on the tower facing The Den was carefully salvaged and is being restored so it can be exhibited in the future. It’s currently being looked after by the Teign Heritage Centre.

Pavilions Teignmouth is scheduled for a January 2016 opening. To learn more visit Teignbridge District Council’s specially dedicated webpage: www.teignbridge.gov.uk/pavilions