Stables & Courtyard, Cockington Court

Torbay Council and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust (TCCT) invite offers from parties interested in entering into a Lease to operate a Horse and Carriage business. The Lease will be offered for a period of up to 5 years, the Lease is to include the terms and conditions outlined in this document.

The Premises available are those shown edged in red (for identification purposes only) on the enclosed plan numbered EM2095d. Torbay Council and TCCT are offering an opportunity to operate a horse and carriage (horse drawn carriage) business from the premises within the Cockington Estate. Carriage rides can be taken from Cockington Court through the Estate and along the picturesque drive and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust lanes in Cockington. Additional ancillary uses that complement the horse and carriage operation will be considered.

TCCT have committed to making available summer grazing land in the near vicinity for the grazing of horses and ponies used in association with the horse and carriage business on a renewable grazing licence only for the period 1st April- 31st October annually.
Bidders are required to provide a business plan and show evidence of previous experience in their submission.

Tenure:
A contracted out lease to operate a Horse and Carriage Business.

Location:
Situated in Cockington Court which is a craft centre operated by Torbay Council as a visitor attraction and craft studios, it is one of Torbay's favourite destinations and enjoys a growing reputation as a regional centre for quality arts and crafts.

The premises is situated in the centre of Cockington and comprises lean-to storage facility measuring circa 740 sq ft in size (68.75 sq m) and yard space measuring circa 171.9 sq m in size.

The Lease will provide the Lessee with the opportunity to operate a horse and carriage operation in Cockington Court, subject to agreeing a licence agreement with TCCT and holding the relevant licenses.

Cockington Court:
Set in an award-winning country park a mile from the seafront and circa 2 miles from Torquay town centre, Cockington Court which is managed by Torbay Council comprises a historic manor house with over twenty craft studios, tea rooms, the Walled Art Garden, a Tudor rose garden, contemporary art gallery and a children's play area.

Cockington Court underwent extensive renovation at a cost of £2.85m, part funded by the European Development Fund, Torbay Council and CABE, transforming the former aristocratic home into office space, craft studios and function rooms, in 460 acres of country park which is managed by TCCT.

Cockington Court is a leading creative centre featuring craft makers and creative industry businesses based in 3 studio areas and the Manor House. The Manor House also houses the Tea Rooms, Gallery and a visitor welcome point.

There are additional attractions to the site such as the walled art garden, rose garden and children's play area. Cockington offers a vibrant annual events programme also.

Previous horse and carriage operators at Cockington have offered horse and carriage rides to wedding customers, an example of the opportunities available for deriving additional business from the events held at Cockington Court. The Registrar use ceremony rooms at Cockington Court for weddings and the church also holds both weddings and funeral ceremonies.

Viewings:
By appointment only with Torbay Council, also interested parties are free to view the location at their leisure.