Torbay’s regeneration partnership is working say Torquay’s Town Board

Members of Torquay’s Town Board say that Torbay Council’s partnership with Willmott Dixon and Milligan (WDM) is working with positive progress on several key sites.

Since the partnership was announced in November 2023, positive progress is being made to bring forward high profile regeneration and redevelopment sites that will significantly improve and enhance Torbay.

The Torquay Town Board meets regularly to receive updates on projects that are benefitting from a share of £21.9million of Town Deal funding. The Torquay Town Board were instrumental in the Council securing Town Deal funding after they developed the Torquay Town Investment Plan (TIP) which aims to deliver much needed improvements to the town centre, offers new homes, creates year-round job opportunities, and improves infrastructure.

Due to range of well publicised external pressures which was having an impact on the viability of some schemes, the Council sought a partner to help overcome some of those challenges to ensure Torbay’s ambitious transformational plans became a reality.

Revised scheme options for Town Deal projects are due to be announced later in the spring and in the summer. The public will also have opportunities to help shape longer term plans for its town centres through a series of engagement events – further details will be published in due course.

The Strand (harbour) public realm project, which is being delivered using Town Deal funding started in late 2023. The newly enhanced space which will be complemented by a new tribute to Agatha Christie, is due for completion in the autumn. The modern, pedestrian friendly design will offer a ‘plaza’ style feel and provide the perfect backdrop for other harbourside businesses, developments, and investment opportunities.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth for Torbay Council, said; “Public and private sector investment secured by Torbay Council over recent years is allowing us to move forward with our redevelopment and regeneration plans.

“In 2023 we set out to secure a delivery partner, we achieved this with the appointment of Willmott Dixon and Milligan. Using their expertise, together we are working through further investment and commercial interest opportunities as we make Torbay the place to live, work and invest in.”

Vince Flower, Chair of Torquay Town Board, said; “The appointment of the regeneration partner for Torbay can only be seen as a significant step forward in delivering a programme of ambitious projects. Their (Willmott Dixon and Milligan] expertise, knowledge and confidence in Torbay demonstrates that this is the place to invest in and that our long-term vision is shared more widely.

“The Torquay Town Board is looking forward to seeing revised scheme options over the coming months.”

The community can stay up to date with Torbay’s regeneration projects by signing up to the Regeneration Project newsletters.