Poltimore House

 Poltimore House and Grounds

With restoration work underway on this historic Devon landmark, The Poltimore Trust and UKWON are now looking to the future when it will become a major regional resource for enterprise, arts and the community in the South West.

Poltimore House is currently one of the region’s most wasted assets. This splendid 40 room mansion which dates back to the sixteenth century is surrounded by thirteen acres of landscaped grounds. Less than four miles from M5 junction 29, Exeter Airport and Exeter Business Park it is in a superbly-connected location. Yet Poltimore House today is in a sorry state, suffering from thirty years of vandalism and neglect.

Fortunately the Poltimore House Trust has ambitious plans for the building and its grounds, including:

• Intensive innovation: Exposing new thinking, new practice, new learning, new skills: linking academia, heritage, industry, technology, the arts and education.

• The Poltimore Forum: High-profile masterclasses, workshops and mentoring will bring leading-edge thinkers to the South West, creating unmissable events for the region’s business and creative sector.

• The Club at Poltimore House: The meeting venue for the region, providing members with super-equipped meeting spaces for briefings, networking and research.

• A home for Creative Entrepreneurs: High-specification workspaces, hot-desking and studios in a location with excellent communications.

• A showcase for the Arts and Creative Industries: An inspirational venue for regional arts, crafts, media companies, filmmakers and software developers.

• A different day out: Not just a stately home, but a vibrant, working environment, house and grounds. Poltimore House will attract visitors seeking inspiration, new skills and learning, new networks, relaxation and fun.
 
The Trust has created The Poltimore Foundation as the vehicle to drive this vision forward in partnership with regional businesses, entrepreneurs, policymakers, universities, schools and colleges and the voluntary sector. The University of Exeter has already pledged its support and will be closely involved in the development of the Foundation’s strategy and business plan.

Poltimore House: join our partnership to restore this fine Grade II* listed mansion as a focal point for creativity in enterprise, arts and the community.

There are several ways for businesses to get involved with Poltimore House:

• Participate in roundtable discussions: during the first half of 2010 we will host a number of roundtable discussions for senior business leaders and we would greatly value your involvement.
• Sponsor a part of the restoration work: we recently secured a £500,000 grant from English Heritage to restore the north and east Tudor roofs, and we need to raise over £160,000 in match funding by Spring 2010 and a further £1million during 2010 to complete the restoration of the roof ranges. A variety of sponsorship packages are available for businesses in the South West.
• Use Poltimore House as a venue: while restoration work is underway, the house and grounds offer a unique venue for photo or film shoots, exhibitions, shows and more.

And finally . . .

If you would like to learn more about this exciting venture and how to gain access to such a unique facility, please visit www.poltimore.org