Paignton Old Monastery opens for community event this August

beehiveweb.co.uk editorial team 2026-08-07 11:29 2 min read

Majestic historic monastery building featuring two tall ornate towers against a clear blue sky.

The historic Old Monastery in Paignton is entering a new chapter as the building officially transfers into local hands. Following a successful community-led campaign and formal approval from Torbay Council, the site has been handed over to the Paignton Monastery Community Interest Company (CIC). This transfer ensures the landmark is preserved as a public-facing asset for the local community.

To mark this milestone, residents are invited to attend an inauguration event on Sunday, 16 August 2026. This event offers the first opportunity for the public to view the current state of the building and engage directly with the directors of the CIC regarding the project’s future direction.

Event Details and Access

Date: Sunday, 16 August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 16:00
Location: The Old Monastery, Paignton
Cost: Free
Booking: No booking required

What to Expect

This inauguration serves as a primary touchpoint for residents to connect with the project organizers. Attendees will have the chance to ask questions about the long-term vision for the site and share ideas for how the space could be utilized to benefit the local area.

Paignton Old Monastery opens for community event this August

For those interested in the immediate future of the grounds, there will be opportunities to help out with initial work. Please note that access to the building itself will be strictly limited to areas that have been assessed as safe. The CIC intends to open the site in phases as internal and external works progress to address existing maintenance requirements and ensure the building meets safety standards.

Future Governance and Site Protection

While the transfer of the property is now complete, the project is a long-term undertaking. To protect the site’s future, Torbay Council has implemented a restrictive covenant, which ensures the building remains dedicated to community-based operations. Additionally, an overage clause has been established; this legal mechanism dictates that should the property’s use change in the future, any increase in value resulting from that change must be returned to the local authority.

As the project moves forward, the Paignton Monastery CIC will provide updates regarding site access, upcoming maintenance, and further opportunities for residents to get involved. These updates will be shared via their official website and social media channels. If you have specific questions or would like to reach the organizers ahead of the event, you can contact the team directly at [email protected].

Source: Torbay Council

Context & actions About this article

Source check Verified Local News

This report is based on the official asset transfer announcement published by Torbay Council regarding the Paignton Monastery CIC.

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