Restoration of Paignton Picture House Begins
Restoration of Paignton Picture House Begins
Supported by Torbay Council and Major Cultural Funders
8 May 2025 — A new chapter has begun for one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas, as work officially starts on the transformation of the historic Paignton Picture House. With backing from Torbay Council and a coalition of cultural funders, the landmark project promises to bring this beloved building back to life as a vibrant cultural and community venue.
“The Paignton Picture House is an iconic building in the heart of the town centre,” said Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth. “The partnership approach being taken ensures that together we can successfully bring the building back into active use to create a vibrant and community cultural hub.”
The redevelopment has been made possible thanks to generous support from Arts Council England, The Colwinston Trust, Historic England, The Pilgrim Trust, and a successful public fundraising appeal.
A Landmark Restoration
Led by AOC Architecture and a specialist design team, the Grade II* listed cinema is being sensitively reimagined for the 21st century. Once complete, it will offer a stunning new auditorium beneath the original barrel-vaulted ceiling, improved accessibility and sightlines, and restored heritage features including stained-glass windows, an Arts and Crafts staircase, and the iconic marble mosaic floor.
A new sandstone extension will house a lift and stairwell, ensuring full accessibility to all levels, including a second-floor studio for education and performance. Sustainability is central to the plans, with air source heat pumps, rooftop solar panels, and thermal upgrades set to reduce the building’s environmental footprint.
“It’s fantastic news that, after years of effort, restoration of Paignton’s historic cinema has started,” said Julian Carnell of the Paignton Picture House Trust. “There’s a lot of work still to do, but this is a significant milestone on our way to the grand opening next year.”
Honouring the Past, Building for the Future
The restoration is being delivered by Corbel, experts in conserving historic buildings, who are combining traditional craftsmanship with modern functionality. The discovery of the cinema’s original 1914 screen configuration during enabling works has added another exciting layer to the building’s rich story.
Originally opened in 1914, the Paignton Picture House was a pioneer in cinema design and a favourite of local legend Agatha Christie. Closed since 1999 and listed on Historic England’s “At Risk Register,” this long-awaited restoration marks a turning point in reclaiming the building’s cultural legacy.
Powered by Community
The project is led by the Paignton Picture House Trust, a charity formed in 2013 and driven by passionate volunteers. The vision is to create a welcoming venue that offers film screenings, live performance, education, community events, and a café – all under one beautifully restored roof.
Community involvement remains vital. The Trust encourages everyone to subscribe to its newsletter, volunteer, or support ongoing fundraising efforts – including the ‘Stories Under the Slates’ campaign and The Projection Room community hub.
Help Complete the Picture
The fundraising campaign continues, and every donation makes a difference. Together, we can secure a bright, creative future for this much-loved building – and ensure it once again becomes a hub of cultural life in Torbay.