DEVON’s ‘English Riviera’ is bouncing back to its former glory.
Once a 19th-century Golden Age hotspot that boasted visiting Royalty such as Princess Victoria, the trio of towns known as Torbay (also the English Riviera) is getting a multi-million-pound makeover.
Known for its microclimate and green palms, the region once attracted the likes of Arthur Conan Doyle, Charles Darwin, and dancer Isadora Duncan.
Famous crime writer Agatha Christie was even born in one of the towns.
But after years of decline and boarded-up shops, a massive overhaul is getting underway. Here’s everything you need to know.
Torquay
Torquay is known as the ‘Queen of the Riviera’ with a population of over 50,000 people and while Paignton is bigger, Torquay is often seen as the main hub for tourism in the area.
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The town was named in a Which? survey last year as Britain’s least favourite town, with locals admitting they felt “embarrassed” by the state of the town centre.
The good news is that the town will soon see a number of changes, including at the top of the high street, where Union Square Shopping Centre is found.
The rundown destination will be demolished and in its place around 100 new homes, healthcare facilities and new shops will be built, with construction starting this year.
Also on Higher Union Street, the area surrounding the shopping centre will be revitalised as part of a broader 10-year plan.
Moving down the high street, you will eventually reach the harbour, which will have a completely new look, including a completely new promenade already in place.
A derelict Debenhams store will be demolished and replaced with a mixed-use development, which might include a high-end boutique hotel.
The total cost for the town centre and harbour redevelopment is set to cost between £60 and £70million.
Moving around the harbour, on the cliffside, there is currently a huge netted structure which is the former Living Coasts site – a visitor attraction that had seals, penguins and a number of other marine life.
The coastal zoo featured the world’s first open-air aviary for birds but closed permanently in 2020.
The site is now hoped to be turned into a marine innovation hub, run by Arc Marine, which will work on reef restoration.
Back towards the harbour, you will find Torquay Pavilion, which opened back in 1911.
The iconic building features a copper-covered dome which is topped with a life-size figure of Britannia and was originally a theatre, then a shopping centre before closing to the public in 2013.
Currently, there is a consultation for what the venue could be turned into in the future, with the project reportedly costing £11million.
Rumours and past suggestions have included an Agatha Christie attraction – who was born in the town – with a permanent exhibition and research centre or a concert hall.
With the flurry of new developments, there are also new hotels popping up across the bay.
I recently stayed in the new IHG Hotel Indigo, which cost a staggering £23million to build.
The swish new hotel nods to the English Riviera with a Med-style throughout, including calming blues.
Other new hotels are rumoured for the town, but yet to be confirmed.
Paignton
Paignton is the next town over from Torquay and is the biggest of the three that form the English Riviera.
One key destination, sat just outside the town, is Oldway Mansion, which was built by the American sewing machine manufacturer Isaac Singer.
It was built in the style of the Palace of Versailles in France and over the years the building has been used for many different things, including being used as the American Women’s War Hospital with Rolls Royce ambulances during World War II.
The building closed to the public back in 2013 and has since fallen into disrepair, with much of the building being deemed unstable.
Phase one of the project is costing £9million and will look at the condition of the building, including appointing a conservation architect.
Last year, repairs on the roof began, which is expected to be complete by the end of 2027 and the total restoration project is estimated to cost around £54million.
Whilst the use of the building at the end of this isn’t clear yet, suggestions have included a multi-use venue for weddings and events.
Just a short walk from Oldway Mansion is Preston Sands beach which will gain new sea defences and more public spaces, set to be completed by the end of this year.
Paignton Beach will also gain new sea defences, set to be completed by the end of May 2027.
Play areas across both beach promenades are also set to be improved.
From Paignton Beach, you can reach the town centre, where you will find Paignton Picture House – one of Europe‘s earliest purpose-built cinemas.
The Grade II listed building is currently undergoing restoration and it is set to be reopened this year.
When it does reopen, the Picture House will be used for showing films, hosting live performances, community events and educational activities.
Nearby, Victoria Square and the Station Square are also undergoing regeneration projects.
The Victoria Centre will involve 200 new homes and give the area a new modern look.
The Station Square by the train and bus stations will be modernised as well, including new landscaping.
Over the past few years, an Ibis Styles and a Mercure hotel have also opened in Paignton.
Brixham
The main project taking place in the final town, Brixham – which is known for its fishing heritage – is rejuvenating the fish market and harbour.
This involves creating an additional 7,000sqm of quayside space, building a new landing space for an additional five fishing vessels and adding two auction halls.
It is unclear when all the projects will be fully completed, but let’s just say in 10 years the English Riviera might celebrate a Golden Age once again.
In other Devon news, a colossal new seaside town next to a UK airport with 8,000 homes and ‘spectacular scenery’ is approved under plans.
Plus, the fairytale-esque beach town that ISN’T on the sea – it’s one of the UK’s prettiest but tourists always forget it.