Harbourside makeover on English Riviera
NEW pictures released today show the first glimpse of a multi-million-pound new future for Torquay harbourside.
The empty Debenhams building, next to the Clock Tower, will be demolished to make way for an “intimate” square with restaurants, cafés and apartments, boasting views over the harbour.
Torbay Council says the square, surrounded by swanky new eateries, would host a vibrant café culture, celebrate the character of the area, and create new town-centre living opportunities. The new modern building would provide space for up to five leisure retail units and 16 twobedroom residential units over four floors.
Torbay Council took the wraps off its “exciting new plans” a few minutes after midnight today. The council bought the building as the store chain hit trouble, determined not to let it stand empty for years while a new use was found.
Now people are being invited to have their say on the new plans. A public exhibition will take place between 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, April 28, at the former Debenhams shop on the Strand. Members of the project team will be there to talk about the plans and answer any questions on the proposals.
The council bought the site in 2020 as part of its plans to regenerate Torquay’s town centre and help boost the local economy. The plans are the result of studies exploring remodelling and rebuilding options, and different uses for the site. Discussions with the community, key stakeholders and English Heritage were also crucial, says the council.
Outside, more trees will be planted, and original iron work and Victorian details from the canopies will influence the railings and balustrades in the new buildings. The council says the redevelopment would also complement and enhance wider harbourside improvements which are due to commence later in the spring.
Cllr Swithin Long, the council’s Cabinet member for economic regeneration, tourism and housing, said: “The Strand and harbourside in Torquay are one of the key locations in the town centre, and it is important that this area is seen as an attractive location. Town centres up and down the country are changing, and this development allows for us to be progressive in our thinking to create an attractive place to visit, spend time, as well as live and invest.”
Vince Flower, who chairs the Torquay Town Board, said: “Torquay’s Town Investment Plan focuses on delivering a more vibrant town centre through the redevelopment of key town centre sites for mixed uses and public realm schemes. By maximising opportunities for town-centre transformation, we can create new jobs, encourage business growth and attract new businesses to the area. We are determined to ensure that Torquay will achieve its economic potential by creating better spaces, with more people living and working there.”
The consultation opens today and closes at midnight on Thursday, May 5. In addition to the public exhibition event, the proposals are available on the council’s website.