A UK town dubbed the ‘Queen of the English Riviera’ is set to undergo a multi-million pound project.
Torquay in Devon is known for its many palm trees and sprawling beaches, leading it to being compared to the French Riviera.
And soon the town will undergo a number of projects to upgrade multiple areas as well as introduce new attractions.
Via the government’s ‘Pride in Place’ fund, Torquay’s Strand is one area that will be redeveloped.
There are also plans to introduce a ‘Festival of Torquay’ in 2027.
In total, 30 projects have been chosen for further consideration as part of the council’s 10-year aim to spend £20million on schemes that will make the town better, healthier and happier for those who live there.
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Other projects include restoring historic destinations in the town, such as The Royal Lyceum Theatre.
And for younger people, there are ideas of introducing a number of cultural spaces including a ‘Hidden High Street Creative Space’, a children’s society wellbeing hub, a creative and cultural space for young people and a Torbay Creative Exchange.
According to Torbay Weekly, Torbay Council interim place manager JonPaul Hedge said: “There have been so many brilliant ideas.
“And there are some super-quick wins in terms of delivery.”
Tracey Cabache of Torbay Communities said: “We need something to come forward in the first six months that is very visible for everyone to see.”
There will be a number of projects that aim to improve access to services in the town too, such as connecting different places, establishing a town centre drop-in for disabled and vulnerable people, opening a support and wellbeing hub, opening a number of community hubs and launching a homeless hostel.
The town will be tidied up as well, with more community bus information and opportunities to sponsor a path.
The Strand, which looks on to Torquay Harbour, could also see a large hotel in the future.
According to Willmott Dixon, the spot where a former Debenhams store stands could be transformed into an upscale hotel, with shops on the ground floor, a brasserie-style restaurant, a rooftop bar, fitness room and event space.
Willmott Dixon’s site states: “The food and beverage offering will showcase local produce, delivering a ‘Best of Devon‘ experience.
“The rooftop bar, accessible from The Terrace, is designed to become a destination in its own right, offering panoramic views of Torbay.”
Work is also being carried out on Torquay Pavilion, an Art Nouveau building that opened back in 1912 as an entertainment venue for concerts, theatre and cinema.
The Grade II-listed structure closed in 2012 and over the past months Torbay Council has been carrying out assessment works to understand the condition of the Pavilion.
That work is now complete and the council is now coming up with a proposal for the site.
Another site in Torquay that hopefully has a brighter future is where Living Coasts used to be located.
The tourist attraction, home to penguins and seals, closed back in 2020 and has been left abandoned since.
But now, ARC Marine – a reef technology company – has signed a long-term lease to use the site as a world-leading Marine Innovation Hub.
The projects in Torquay coincide with transformations in the other two towns that form the English Riviera – Paignton and Brixham.
For example, via the Brixham Town Centre Place Vision, Brixham is due to become a vibrant coastal community, according to Torbay Council, with a focus on its historic fishing heritage.
Proposals include more pedestrian links in the town, creating family areas and launching more street food and waterfront activities.
In other regeneration news, a popular London borough to get huge £10billion makeover with parks, restaurants and ‘flower amphitheatre’.
Plus, a historic city centre is set for £2.5billion revamp in the UK’s largest regeneration project.