| HGP Conservation was commissioned by Torbay Council in January 2008 to prepare a Conservation Plan for the Town Hall in Torquay, Devon. The Town Hall Complex, which forms the civic heart of Torquay, comprises the Carnegie Library (1906), Town Hall (1913) (both Grade II listed), Electric House (1935) Grade II listed, and the unlisted Public Library (1938). The earlier buildings were designed by London Architect Thomas Davison and the later two by Torquay’s Borough Engineer PW Ladmore. The building group paints an interesting picture of the development of architectural thinking in the early years of the 20th Century with styles ranging from the Edwardian Baroque to Art Deco and Moderne. The importance of these municipal buildings lies not only in their use of local materials and high quality finishes but also in their continuing significance to the people of Torquay. |
