Significant investment in Torridge leisure and cultural center

Like many councils across the country, Torridge has faced significant funding cuts from central government in recent years.

This, combined with the effects of rising inflation and rising costs of local service provision, will put pressure on council budgets next year.

Despite the challenges, the Council continues to lobby the Government for a long-term settlement that will enable improved funding and long-term investment.

Thanks to the Rural Prosperity Fund, the council has been able to invest in local leisure, arts and culture.

• £10,000 – Holsworthy Amateur Drama Society (HATS)
• £20,000 – The Burton at Bideford
• £20,000 – Plow Arts Centre, Great Torrington
• £100,000 – to improve energy efficiency at Torridge Leisure facility

Investing in cultural centers across Torridge will help us deliver much-loved services and activities to our local communities, prevent costs from being passed on to residents and help secure a more stable future for our organizations .

Among these investment plans is Barton @ Bideford Art Gallery and Museum, a community venue with art gallery and workshops and, of course, Bideford’s visitor information centre.

Torrington’s Plow Arts Center last year became Arts Council England’s National Portfolio Organization for the first time in the venue’s history, and with investment by the council expected next year, it will offer a wide range of experiential opportunities for people of all ages. We offer Participate in various events as both a spectator and a participant.

And last but not least, we will be investing in the Holsworthy Amateur Drama Society, a renowned 250 seat theater and events hub.

We are investing in our own facilities now to save money in the future, while similar leisure centers in local areas have had to close due to operating costs.

Energy saving measures will be introduced at the Torridge leisure centers in Northam and Torrington and the swimming pool in Holsworthy, run by Active Torridge on behalf of the council, over the next financial year.

This includes window replacement and a new pool cover at the Torrington pool, as well as replacing the front door to reduce heat loss at the Torrington. Officials will also consider installing lighting, pumps, energy management, microfiltration and solar panels at the center.

Active Torridge has submitted a tender to Sport England for energy efficiency measures at all three leisure centers to support this ongoing initiative to maximize funding opportunities for our facilities . And we have applied for £1.7m of government funding to decarbonise Holsworthy Pool.

This all builds on the community infrastructure improvements we are already investing in, such as the new play area currently underway at Victoria Park in Bideford and the refurbishment of Great Torrington Market Hall, where the iconic hall has been given a new lease of life. and will be added to the new facility. Christmas time.