The local community of Torbay have recently had their say on plans for the redevelopment of the former Debenhams site on Torquay Harbourside.
Whilst this has been ongoing Torbay Council have been able to agree to a £10 million investment from its growth fund to redevelop the former site.
The £10 million investment which also includes £2m from the Town Deal will allow Torbay Council to deliver on the ambition to transform site after the councils acquisition back in 2020 as part of Torbay Council’s long term commitment to regenerate the town centres.
In the recent public consultation on the proposals that have been shown, revealed an overwhelming support for the plans which involve demolishing the existing building and replacing it with a new and modern design. It is thought that under the plans the new building will provide space for up to 5 leisure units and 16 residential units over 4 floors. At the heart of the regeneration plans is the construction of a south facing public square which would complement the overall Harbourside public areas.
This important building will deliver some much needed housing options and opportunities for employment across a multiple range of sectors.
Councillor Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council said:
We are determined that Torquay and wider Torbay achieve its economic potential, and despite challenges in the construction sector we are committed to delivering high quality schemes such as this one. By investing in the transformation of such a prominent location we are encouraging wider private sector investment into surrounding areas – ensuring we create attractive places to visit, live and spend time.”
Councillor Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing said:
This important development will rejuvenate this part of Torquay for the benefit of residents, businesses, and visitors. Feedback from the recent public consultation told us regeneration of the harbourside is long overdue and that modernising the area is good idea for Torquay’s future.”
Torbay Council are expected to submit a planning application for the Torquay Debenhams site sometime in June with a decision due in late Autumn.
The Torquay Debenhams regeneration plan is just one of many projects planned for Torquay after Torbay Council was able to secure £21.9 million of Towns Funding in October 2020.
Throughout Torbay there are multiple regeneration plans that are ongoing. These include £13.36 million for the Future High Street Fund for Paignton Town Centre, £7.8 million awarded from Network Rail for the construction of a new train station at Edginswell. Alongside this there are plans to enhance Brixham in line with the Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan after £1 million was secured through the brownfield release fund.
All of the Torbay Council’s regeneration plans can be found on the Torbay Council’s Spaces to thrive page.
