In April 2022 recommendations from the Cabinet were to invite proposals from community partners to bring Parkfield House back into use for the benefit of Torbay residents, in particular children and young people.
Under the plans, Parkfield House and the surrounding grounds, will transition from a Torbay Council controlled asset to an organisation within the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector on a long-lease basis.
The move will effectively see Torbay Council support the site rather than control the site. The aim is to promote joint working and empower local community organisations.
The partner of the successful proposal will take over the management and development of the site, within an agreed framework which is aimed at delivering positive outcomes for local people in Torbay.
Torbay Council are encouraging collaborative proposals, despite only one organisation being able to take on as the named lead for the bid. As part of the process, partners will need to evidence how they will ensure the financial and environmental sustainability within their proposal.
It is highly recommended that partners with an interest in the site thoroughly read the information pack that is provided via the Supplying the South West website.
Deadline for submissions for proposals is 12pm on the 19th August 2022.
Partners who are interested in submitting proposals will be able to attend an open day event at Parkfield House on the 11th June 2022, to view the interior and ask any questions they may have.
Furthermore, interested parties can register as a supplier, view the information and book their place for the open day via the Supplying the South West website.
Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council said:
We know our communities want to become more involved in ensuring Torbay and its residents thrive. This unique collaborative opportunity not only ensures that Parkfield remains a community asset, but that our partners can take a key role in designing and delivering services to support everyone in our communities.”
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism, Housing for Torbay Council said:
“We made a commitment to working differently and strengthening our relationships with our partners and our communities. We are excited to see creative and innovative proposals being submitted, particularly those that demonstrate how better outcomes can be achieved for local people, especially the most vulnerable in Torbay.”
