Torbay Council’s Cabinet has given funding approval for the redevelopment of two previous public toilet blocks at Corbyn Head and Preston that have been redundant for some time.
Almost £2million has been made available from the Growth Fund to enable the Council to directly invest in the buildings, which will then be leased out to two local businesses.
By directly investing in the properties, the Council will create two new quality business premises in derelict buildings which will generate new jobs and provide new leisure facilities for residents and visitors.
Under the proposals the plans also include new public toilet provisions with disabled facilities. Bringing the new provisions in-line with other facilities across Torbay.
Following a market exercise in late 2020, two preferred bidders have already been selected to lease the premises from the Council. Pending agreement of final terms, WeSup Limited will move into the Corbyn Head premises and Pierhead Cafes and Bars Limited into the Preston site.
It is anticipated the redevelopment will create more than 40 jobs, both in the construction and hospitality sector.
WeSup Limited and Pierhead Cafes and Bars Limited are both established local employers that offer their employees training opportunities via their links with local colleges. Meaning any new employees get to learn, grow and develop new skills.
Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council said; “Both of these buildings have been redundant for some time and are now impacting negatively on the surrounding environment. By directly investing in these buildings and leasing them out, we are creating spaces for two locally established businesses to thrive.
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Housing and Tourism for Torbay Council said; “The intended outcome of this investment is to create new quality business premises in prime locations that will not only generate new jobs, but also provide residents and visitors with great new leisure and hospitality facilities.
Prior to any final decisions on the final designs of the buildings, Torbay residents will be invited to comment on the plans as part of the planning process. It is anticipated that the design work will now commence with a view to submitting a planning application in the spring of 2022.
The report presented to Cabinet is available on the Council’s website.
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