Torbay Council invites proposals for Victorian house

The deadline is in August

Following recommendations approved at Cabinet in April, Torbay Council is inviting proposals from community partners to bring Parkfield 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 be offered to the Voluntary, Community, and Social Enterprise sector on a long-lease basis. In a move that would see the council support, rather than control the site, the aim is to promote joint working and empower local community organisations.

The successful partner will take over the management and development of the site, within an agreed framework which delivers positive outcomes for local people. The council are encouraging collaborative proposals, although one organisation will need to be the named lead for the bid. As part of the process, partners will need to evidence how they will ensure financial and environmental sustainability in their plans. 

All proposals will need to be submitted through the ‘Supplying The South West’ portal. Partners wishing to submit proposals will need to ensure they have registered as a supplier on the portal and should thoroughly review the information pack provided. 

The deadline for the submissions of proposals is 12pm on Friday 19 August. 

Partners interested in submitting proposals, will be able to attend an open day at Parkfield House on Saturday 11 June, to view the interior and ask questions. 

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 and 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.” 

Interested parties can register as a supplier, view the information, and book their place for the open day via https://www.supplyingthesouthwest.org.uk