Monastery available for purchase by community for £1

Local campaigners aiming to convert a former monastery into a community hub have been given the opportunity to purchase the property for a symbolic 1. Torbay Council has revealed plans to support the initiative by making the building on Berry Drive in Paignton available to the campaign for this minimal sum.

The Marist Order originally acquired the monastery in 1881 for 6,000. Since the departure of the monks 50 years ago, the building has served various purposes, including as a social club and a food bank. It has been listed as a council asset for sale since 2019, though previous offers to the community were unsuccessful.

Recently, Liberal Democrat councillors Cat Johns and Margaret Douglas-Dunbar, representing the Clifton with Maidenway wards, spearheaded a renewed effort to keep the monastery under community ownership. They emphasized the lack of a community centre in the area and highlighted the building as an ideal location for such a facility.

The council explained that surplus properties no longer required were identified for sale to fund reinvestment elsewhere. The offer comes with conditions: the community must form a legal entity to acquire the monastery, and the transaction must be completed by March 2026. Only community-focused activities will be allowed on the site, and any increase in value from changes in use must be returned to the council.

According to the council, the plan offers a unique chance for the community to restore the monastery to practical use while relieving the council of future maintenance responsibilities. Councillor Jackie Thomas, responsible for events, tourism, culture, and corporate services, stated, "This is a significant opportunity for residents to take charge of a historic property and transform it into a dynamic centre that meets local needs. I am inspired by the communitys enthusiasm and look forward to seeing the monastery revitalized."

Author: Chloe Ramirez