Herald Express (Torbay, Brixham & South Hams Edition)
Riviera rebuild planned
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TORQUAY’S Riviera Centre could be completely rebuilt as part of a massive new seafront development which includes new homes and shops, Torbay Council has revealed.
The cash-strapped council is seeking a business partner for the ambitious scheme.
The current site includes the conference centre, car park and tennis courts, but could be extended into Abbey Park, which has gardens and facilities for tennis, golf and bowling, and leads down to the beach.
A bigger conference centre and music venue would replace the old Riviera International Conference Centre, with a better pool and leisure facilities, a hotel, shops, offices and homes.
TORQUAY’S Riviera Centre could be completely rebuilt as part of a massive new seafront development including new homes and shops, Torbay Council has revealed.
The cash-strapped council, which must slash its budget by millions of pounds, is seeking a business partner for the ambitious scheme.
The current site includes the conference centre, car park and tennis courts, but a draft document issued by the council says it could be extended into Abbey Park, which has gardens and facilities for tennis, golf and bowling, and leads down to the beach.
A bigger conference centre and music venue would replace the old Riviera International Conference Centre, with a better pool and leisure facilities, a hotel, shops, offices and homes.
The venue opened in 1987 as the English Riviera Centre at a cost of £15 million, and has been subsidised by the council despite pledges at the time that it would never cost the ratepayer a penny.
Torbay Council is paying a £350,000 management fee to the centre this year, but wants to end its annual subsidy and develop a long-term strategy for the site after the current lease runs out in 2020.
The centre has hosted party conferences and major music events over the years. Last year Ukip held its conference there.
Councillors are being asked to approve a draft market brief which would invite developers to put forward proposals and would lead to the council selecting a development partner next May. The council has frozen non-urgent spending after making more cuts this year as its government funding has fallen by £21m over the five years to 2020.
Conservative-elected mayor Gordon Oliver has warned it faces finding £12m more savings after 2020.
The brief hails it a “fantastic opportunity” and calls for a bigger conference facility and hotel that does not require council subsidy. There would be better access from the beach, a spa, a gym and an improved swimming pool.