Huge blow for UK seaside town as abandoned landmark on brink of 'falling apart'

An iconic Victorian pavilion is at "critical risk" as "a serious injection of funds" is needed in order to save it, experts warn. The Victorian Society included Torquay Pavilion, a favourite of Agatha Christie, and where she was proposed to by her first husband, Archie Christie, on its list of 10 "endangered" buildings across the UK. In October 2024, Torbay Council regained full control of the 112-year-old structure, which has been closed since 2013, after six years of "limbo". The venue played host to George Formby, Anna Pavlova, Rachmaninoff, Dame Nellie Melba, Laurence Olivier, Dame Shirley Bassey and Harold Pinter over the decades.

Campaigners say contractors are expected to begin investigative works in 2025 to inform urgent repairs, but, while funding from the lease surrender and Torquay Town Deal Board "offers a foundation", there remains a multi-million-pound shortfall for a full restoration. The Victorian Society says it is "yet to see a restoration timetable or phased schedule of works and, despite the transferal of ownership, basic protections like the covering of all windows from the exterior remain unactioned". The money needed will most likely be raised by combining public money with a dedicated fundraising campaign, activists suggest. "Without immediate action, this rare and treasured piece of Torquay's cultural and architectural history faces irreversible loss," the society said.

Griff Rhys Jones, the Victorian Society's President, said: "This is nothing short of a national treasure. We will never see its like again. Fantastical and charming and the delightful heart of Torquay itself.

"It's good news that the former owners have abandoned their inappropriate plans and it is back in the hands of the council. Now funding and general local support is essential.

"25 years ago, I helped raise £25million for the Hackney Empire - another people's palace dating from that era. It can be done. Come on, Torquay. Get behind your jewel box of a venue."

James Hughes, Director of the Victorian Society, said: "The Pavilion is a highly significant piece of British seaside heritage - bold, beautiful, and now precariously at risk. Torquay must seize this perhaps final chance to save its crown jewel."

Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth and Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said: "We recognise the history and significance of Torquay Pavilion, and share the Victorian Society's passion for preserving this important piece of our heritage.

"Since regaining full control of the Pavilion in October 2024, we have been actively developing a strategy for its restoration. We have a team of heritage specialists to guide this complex project, and opening up works began in March 2025."

"We are also in ongoing discussions with grant funders and potential investors to secure the Pavilion's future and determine the most appropriate end use."

"We are determined to bring the Pavilion back into use and ensure it remains a cherished landmark for everybody in Torbay to enjoy."

"In the meantime, we're committed to keeping our community informed through regular updates and behind-the-scenes videos, which are available on our YouTube channel."