TAAG Refurbishment Progress Update Summer 2022

This is a short progress update as at summer 2022:

We finally obtained planning permission for all the necessary works last December, and were hoping to go on and get building regulation approval quickly so we could continue with the refurbishment. 

Since then, some further work has been carried out, but discussions with the structural engineer have taken longer than expected, delaying Building Control approval. However, most of these matters are now resolved, and we are in a position to progress the ground floor interior works - mainly ceilings, partitions, fire alarm systems, etc. We are also hoping that we can attract sufficient funds from smaller grant-givers to carry out some required work on the front elevation, possibly before we reopen.  

Refurbishment of the TAAG upper floors will require substantial grant assistance and we are monitoring grant-funding opportunities and pursuing applications as the opportunities arise. This work is likely to take longer than we anticipated pre-COVID and will probably have to be completed piecemeal.

Exhibitions have been continuing at the Beachcomber, which has provided a great space for workshops & local artists, and has maintained our profile during closure. The Beachcomber has also provided a steady source of income to help meet our running expenses. Unfortunately, the building is no longer available to us after September, as the Council has now leased the building as a cafe, and the works required to refit the building are starting in the autumn. 

At TAAG we expect that the outstanding ground floor works will be completed early in the New Year, although we would like to re-open for Xmas if possible, possibly for a pop-up exhibition/sale.

In the New Year, once the ground floor is reopened, we will reinstate Steering Group meetings to help guide the future of TAAG. We will also be looking for new, skilled, and younger, trustees to help take forward the TAAG project. 

We are grateful for your continued support. Local fundraising will continue to be important, particularly as our ability to raise money via Beachcomber is over. We now have a new Crowdfunder page (just search for TAAG CIO on Crowdfunder.co.uk) where supporters can make single or regular donations, or can use it to set up their own fundraising projects - Or just donate directly to us (link on front page). In addition, people will can contribute via Easyfundraiser (or Amazon Smile) and can donate their Nectar points to TAAG (again, links on the front page of our web site).  

If you have any queries, or wish to volunteer time or materials, please contact one of the trustees or email us at info@teignmoutharts.org. Meanwhile, we look forward to reopening the TAAG ground floor and to celebrating the reopening of TAAG with you, early in the New Year. 

Many thanks, the TAAG Trustees
September 2022