18 Jun Reviving a Community Treasure: People’s Parkfield CIC and the Evolution of Parkfield House

Parkfield House is more than just a historic building nestled in a wooded area near the seafront of Paignton — it’s a symbol of community heritage, resilience, and renewal. Thanks to the passionate efforts of People’s Parkfield CIC, this once family home is undergoing a transformation with a mission that couldn’t be more vital: to bring Parkfield House and its grounds back into vibrant community use.

A Mission with Heart – People’s Parkfield CIC was established with one clear purpose — to revive Parkfield House and its surrounding land as a safe, inclusive, and dynamic community hub. The aim is to preserve a treasured landmark and breathe life into it by making it a home for a thriving network of local voluntary and community organisations.

In doing so, the CIC plays a key role in ensuring that Parkfield once again serves the people of Paignton and Torbay — not as a museum piece of the past, but as a living, working community resource with its eyes on the future.

The CIC is made up of a team of volunteers who make up our steering group, and whose aim is to support our Centre Manager with all aspects of the day to day running of the business but also with the long term strategy, ensuring that People’s Parkfield is financially sustainable and less reliant on funding and grants.

A Hub for the VCSE Sector – Currently, People’s Parkfield CIC hosts more than 14 different organisations from the VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise) sector, offering a welcoming and functional space for them to operate. These groups deliver vital services across a wide spectrum of social needs — from youth engagement and mental health support, to environmental advocacy, creative arts, education, and more.

At a time when many community organisations are struggling with the cost and availability of premises, the opportunity to operate within Parkfield’s safe and accessible setting has made a real difference. It has allowed many groups to continue their fantastic work and collaborate, connect, and grow.

This multi-organisation environment fosters a culture of cooperation. Shared values and mutual support lie at the heart of our community. As a result, cross-referral, shared projects, and joint events are becoming more common.

A Safe and Inclusive Space – People’s Parkfield CIC takes pride in providing more than just a venue — it offers a space where people feel safe, welcome, and included.

The grounds, too, are being reclaimed as a resource for all — with outdoor activities, wellness programs, and green space initiatives helping reconnect people to nature and one another.

Preserving Heritage, Building Futures – People’s Parkfield CIC don’t just focus on the here and now; they also protect the legacy of Parkfield House for generations to come. Our beautiful and historically significant, grade 2 listed building is being revitalised not as a monument, but as a functioning and valued space with a community purpose. In doing so, the CIC honours its past while adapting it to meet the needs of a modern, diverse community.

The ongoing development of the house and grounds includes maintenance, and restoration, all carried out with a deep respect for heritage. But it’s not just about bricks and mortar — it’s about people and community. Every improvement made to the site is designed to improve the experience of those who use it, ensuring that Parkfield remains not just physically accessible, but emotionally and socially welcoming too.

Looking Ahead –The journey of People’s Parkfield CIC is far from over. With growing interest from new community groups, plans to develop the grounds for greater public use, and an increasing profile in Torbay’s social infrastructure, our future looks bright. However, this kind of work requires ongoing support — from funders, from the local authority, and from the wider community.

As Parkfield becomes more widely recognised as a vital asset for Paignton and Torbay, the hope is that even more individuals and organisations will engage with it — whether through partnership, volunteering, fundraising, or simply taking part in the many activities and services it supports.

Conclusion – People’s Parkfield CIC is proof that when communities come together, amazing things can happen. Through the restoration of Parkfield House and its grounds, and the support of more than 14 VCSE sector organisations, the CIC is helping to weave a stronger, more connected, and more compassionate community.

If you want to know more about Parkfield or to enquire about room hire, contact Mark, our Centre Manager, at [email protected]