Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre unveils state-of-the art £2million Schiller Hall

A new-look, state-of-the-art event hall, alongside extended conference centre facilities, has opened its doors at the heart of Buckfast Abbey ready to support businesses and event organisers seeking an inspirational and easily accessible venue for meetings, conferences, exhibitions, trade shows or events.

Conveniently located midway between Exeter and Plymouth, just off the A38, the Conference Centre’s Schiller Hall has undergone a £2million makeover, including the construction of a new mezzanine floor and terrace area, which makes the most of stunning views over the River Dart, the Abbey Church, sweeping grounds and its beautiful gardens. 

The expanded central atrium area in the Schiller Hall, which has a newly raised roof to flood in natural light, provides the perfect venue for performances, rehearsals, speaker events, art, film and theatre shows.

As part of the extensive renovations and construction work, one larger room that converts into two additional meeting rooms is now available to book on the new first floor of The Schiller Hall. Each accommodates up to ten guests and has views over the grounds as well as the atrium area where trade shows, presentations, social and educational events can be held. 

Capable of catering for up to 120 delegates in the new Schiller Hall, the Conference Centre has been extended to the East providing new kitchen and catering facilities as well as extended cloakrooms and service accommodation, making it a perfect venue for dinners, awards or special events.

Six other event rooms, which can host groups of up to 85, are current available to book in the main conference centre, each of which has been enhanced with the very latest in audiovisual equipment to aid training, presentations or business events.

Commenting on the newly renovated Schiller Hall and conference centre, which was designed by Totnes-based Rud Sawyers Architects, Chief Operating Officer, Matt Roach, said: “It has been a great honour to oversee the design and completion of work on what is now one of the finest conference venues in the South West; one created to meet the exacting needs of event organisers looking for leading edge facilities.

“We are particularly proud of the care taken to create an elegant, contemporary building which integrates material such as zinc and copper, both present on the roof of the Abbey Church, and timber cladding, which echoes the wooded context of the River Dart. The result is a piece of architecture that sits naturally in its surroundings, and yet provides 2,200 ft2 of additional space.  

“That, matched with the building’s low energy design, natural ventilation systems, high performance glazing, solar panels, shading, and the use of low energy heating and light systems, means that we have kept true to our low impact values at the same time as creating a statement venue fit for the 21st century.”

The new Schiller Hall and refurbished Conference Centre will be officially unveiled at an event later this summer. Prices are available from £38.50 per delegate for a full day. To book, call 01364645530 or visit www.buckfast.org.uk/

The Conference Centre is renowned for the quality of its menus which are created celebrating seasonal, local ingredients. Parking is free and rooms come with refreshments, homemade biscuits and a range of equipment including: flip charts, pens and paper, large screen and projection facilities, Wi-Fi, Audio facilities, connectivity via HDMI Cable, a built-in PC, White and Pin boards.

On-site accommodation for residential conferences and events is available at the 33 bedroom on-site Northgate hotel, or group accommodation at Grangehurst House.