Financial boost for Newton Abbot Museum

A local housebuilder in Newton Abbot has committed £2,000 to the local museum in a show of commitment to the town.

Persimmon Homes South West made the donation as part of its Community Champions scheme which seeks to leave a positive and lasting legacy in the areas in which it builds. In attendance at the cheque presentation, which was held at the Museum, was Mayor David Corney-Walker.

The museum is part of Newton’s Place: an accessible community building, celebrating the heritage of the local area and its people, and is also home to Newton Abbot Town Council and hosts community rooms for exciting events, workshops and exhibitions.

Newton’s Place is located in a former church built in 1835. After falling into disrepair, the rich architecture and features of this beautiful, Grade II listed building were restored a few years ago.

The company’s Community Champions fund sees over £700,000 spent every year on good causes and valued organisations across the UK. Recent local recipients include Newton Abbot College, Buckland Athletic FC, and Dawlish Swimming Club.

Persimmon Homes South West is currently building in the town at its Bradley Barton View site and also has outline planning permission to construct up to 450 homes on land off Kingskerswell Road in Abbotskerswell.

The Langford Bridge scheme, as it known, would also see £2.7m delivered as part of the section 106 agreement, with money going towards playing pitches, bus services, improved cycle and pedestrian connections, a new link road, and territory for cirl bunting.

The five-star housebuilder currently has a number of two and three-bed properties currently available at its Bradley Barton View development from £239,995.

Persimmon Homes South West’s sales director, Stacey Harris, said: "At Persimmon, it is of utmost importance to us to create a positive and enduring impact in the areas where we build.

“Newton Abbot boasts a rich history, and we are pleased to contribute to the local Museum through our Community Champions initiative.

“With our longstanding presence in the area at Bradley Barton View and our upcoming plans at Langford Bridge, we take pride in not only offering homes for first-time buyers and young families but also in actively supporting key community groups.

“As a responsible developer, we are determined to leave a lasting legacy that enhances the well-being of everyone in Newton Abbot, and we are delighted to support the Museum."

Mayor of Newton Abbot, Cllr David Corney-Walker, added: “Awards such as this are very important and since the Town Council moved into Newton’s Place the Museum has become a major attraction in the town, so any contribution that assists with costs such as new exhibits is very much appreciated.”

The Curator of Newton Abbot Museum, India Jolly, commented: “The money will help us look after the items we already have in the collection as well as going towards new exhibitions about the town. It will also support more community engagement so there’s lots we can do and we’re very grateful.”

With the 2023 season due to end in a few weeks Curatorial Assistant Lucy Cokes is busy preparing for next year: “The winter closure is very important for us as we get to change out some of our display cases and this type of funding helps with making sure we’ve got all the right equipment and material we need, and it helps train staff and volunteers too.”