torre-abbey-phase-2-redevelopment (1)

Torre Abbey phase 1 and 2 redevelopment

Torre Abbey is a scheduled ancient monument.

At Phase 1, Currie & Brown fulfilled the role of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) project monitor. We were involved in the evaluation of the Stage 1 and 2 HLF bids for funding, which included the business plan and activity plan, and we led a small team of monitors responsible for ensuring that the funding conditions were met and that the approved purposes were delivered.

Following successful completion of Phase 1, Phase 2 comprised further conservation, repair and maintenance works, along with interpretation and display works. These explained the Abbey’s history and the significance of its archaeology and art collection by making it more accessible to the public and showing it in an exciting way to encourage repeat visits.

Our role

We were appointed as project manager and cost consultant and were responsible for the preparation of the successful Stage 1 and Stage 2 HLF bids and for appointing the other consultants on the project, including archaeologists, curatorial advisors, the exhibition designers and the educationalist.

Particular challenges were presented by the building, because burial remains were discovered in the cloister and the drainage layout had to be revised to ensure that these remains were not disturbed. Given our experience with this type of project, we were able to anticipate these types of issues, and through a detailed process of risk identification and management we made provisions within the budget and programme to minimise the impact to the client.

Another challenge came in the curatorial work to catalogue the collections for the exhibition designers to incorporate the most appropriate exhibits into the final museum. With over 10,000 artefacts, this was a significant task and we identified early on that with the identified resources this would lead to design and project delays. We advised the client of the need for additional resource, identified appropriate individuals and drafted their appointments for the council, thus keeping this important workstream on track.

It was necessary to review the project costs and programme constantly to ensure that the budget was not exceeded and the completion date was met. By re-programming the works at an early stage, it was possible to deliver the overall completion eight months early and add value through the maximisation of revenue.

‘I have been delighted with the support provided by Currie & Brown. They are very diligent and efficient. Reports are produced well before required and of a high quality. They are excellent team players and ensure that all members of the team feel valued and kept up-to-date. I would have no hesitation in recommending Currie & Brown.’ Norma Paynton, Programme Manager, Torbay Development Agency (TDA)

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