Torbay Council, working alongside its regeneration partners, Willmott Dixon and Milligan has published the Brixham Town Centre Place Vision—a strategic document designed as a marketing and investment tool to attract funding, investors, and development opportunities into Brixham.
Over the past year, Torbay Council has collaborated with stakeholders, including Brixham Town Council, to ensure the vision reflects the town’s current needs and future aspirations. It draws on key planning frameworks such as the Brixham Neighbourhood Plan (adopted in 2019) and will be updated annually to remain relevant and responsive.
The Place Vision sets out a clear ambition to position Brixham as a vibrant coastal community that blends its historic fishing heritage with modern amenities, creating a thriving environment for residents, businesses, and visitors. It will serve as a powerful tool for marketing and investment, enabling Torbay Council and its partners to showcase opportunities and secure funding for regeneration projects.
Key deliverables of the Vision
§ Improve connectivity between Brixham Central car park and the harbour to enhance pedestrian flow and visitor experience.
§ Transform South Quay car park into a pedestrian-friendly space featuring murals or a green wall, family zones, street food, seating, and expanded waterfront activities.
§ Create stronger links between the harbour, New Pier, and Fish Market, potentially via a new pedestrian bridge.
§ Upgrade Brixham Central car park and Town Square bus shelter as a welcoming and accessible gateway to the town.
§ Revitalise the western end of Fore Street, addressing its disconnection from Middle Street and the harbour loop to reduce vacant units and boost retail activity.
§ Enhance public realm and green spaces, ensuring Brixham remains attractive for residents and visitors while supporting sustainable growth.
Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, Torbay Council, said; “This vision is about recognising and unlocking Brixham’s full potential. By setting out a clear and compelling framework for investment, we aim to give confidence to partners and investors that Torbay has a deliverable plan—one that will bring real benefits to the whole community.”
Stuart Harris, CEO of Milligan, said; “The time and care invested in developing this vision ensures it is a robust, strategic plan that leverages Brixham’s unique strengths while preserving its distinctive identity—creating confidence for investors and partners that this is a place with a clear direction and real growth potential.”
Chris Wheeler, Regional Head of Land Development at Willmott Dixon, said; “This vision lays the foundations for sustainable growth in Brixham—creating opportunities not just for regeneration, but for wider economic benefits such as increased employment and business development. It provides a clear roadmap for investment that will deliver long-term value for the town and its community.”
Brixham is not the only town benefitting from a new place-shaping vision. In July, Cabinet formally adopted the Torquay Vision, and most recently the Paignton Vision in November.
The visions have been made possible through funding awarded to the council by One Public Estate, enabling the creation of a comprehensive place vision under the banner of ‘Transforming Torbay’. The councils successful funding bids since 2019 have driven the need for a cohesive strategy that aligns all investment streams, development sites, and long-term ambitions — ensuring a joined-up approach to regeneration across the Bay. The visions will be reviewed and updated annually to ensure they reflect evolving macro and micro level factors.
Before any significant changes are made, the community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on proposals through the formal planning process.
Cabinet will be asked to formally adopt the Brixham Vision at its meeting on Tuesday 16 December. The meeting will be live streamed via the councils YouTube channel, allowing residents and stakeholders to follow the discussion in real time.
The full vision document and all reports being considered at Cabinet are available to view on the council’s website. www.torbay.gov.uk/DemocraticServices/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=741&MId=24493
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