Torbay Council’s Cabinet have agreed almost £10million of funding from its Growth Fund to redevelop the former Debenhams site in Torquay.
The investment from the Growth Fund, along with almost £2million of funding from the Town Deal will allow the council to deliver its ambition for the site, after acquiring it in 2020 as part of its plans to regenerate Torquay’s town centre and help boost the local economy.
Recent public consultation on proposals for the site showed overwhelming support for the plans which involve demolishing the existing building and replacing with a new modern design. The new building would provide space for up to 5 leisure retail units and 16 residential units over 4 floors. At the heart of the building a south facing public square would complement wider harbourside public realm improvements.
Delivering on such an important mixed-used building provides Torbay’s economy with housing growth and opportunities for employment across a range of sectors.
Cllr 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.”
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, 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.”
A planning application on the proposals is expected to be submitted in June with a decision due in the autumn.
Public consultation on the proposals took place between 26 April and 5 May.
The Debenhams redevelopment project is one of several regeneration projects planned for Torquay after £21.9million of Towns Funding was secured by Torbay Council in October 2020.
Across Torbay a range of multi-million-pound projects are in the pipeline to create spaces and places for people to thrive. These include £13.36million for the Future High Street Fund for Paignton and £7.8million awarded from Network Rail for a new train station in the Edginswell area. There are also plans to enhance Brixham in line with the Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan after £1million was secured through the Brownfield Land Release Fund.
Discover more about Torbay’s regeneration plans by visiting www.torbay.gov.uk/spacestothrive
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