Torbay Council has signed a contract with DIY retail giants Wickes to bring a new store to the Edginswell business park.
The store which is scheduled to open at the end of 2022 comes at a crucial time as the Council looks to accelerate its COVID-19 economic recovery plan and create much needed job opportunities in the construction and retail sectors.
This announcement from Wickes comes after Torbay Council were successful in their bid at the end of 2020 to secure funding from the Heart of the South West LEP’s ‘Getting Building Fund’, which will support a £2.5million package of infrastructure works to open up the site for future phases of the development.
The first phase of the works is due to commence this summer and will include a new extension to Orchard Way, together with substantial earthworks that will create other serviced sites.
Councillor Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “This site has been identified for employment for many years and I am delighted that for the first phase we have secured a national name. I am hopeful that future developments at Edginswell will ensure a mixed use for the site providing a variety of employment opportunities.
“The site is identified in both the Local and Neighbourhood Plans, so it is encouraging that we are able to deliver the aspirations of the community”.
Councillor Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said; “Edginswell business park is Torbay’s largest and most strategically important urban extension. The Wickes deal represents the first phase of commercial development at the 6-acre business park which we anticipate will have a strong emphasis on job creation. We are delighted that Wickes have chosen to expand and invest in Torbay and will now occupy a prominent position on our gateway site”.
Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said; “This is great news for Torbay as it moves forward with its economic recovery and long-term growth plans. The HotSW LEP’s ‘Getting Building Fund’ aims to support ready-to-go projects that will deliver new jobs and contribute to our area’s post-COVID recovery. We are delighted to be able to award this funding, which will help to accelerate the Torquay Gateway project and unlock a number of employment opportunities – both which are vital in the recovery of the local and regional economy”.
Jo Lord, Property Director at Wickes, comments; “We’ve been looking to expand our network in the South-West and this location is perfect to provide more accessibility for customers, complementing our stores in Plymouth and Exeter. The new store will create 30 jobs in the area and provide more home improvement choices for customers.
The 30,000 sq. ft store is the right sized format to deliver convenience and speed, supporting our distinctive service model, with clear areas that cater for DIYers, local trade and those customers looking for support on larger transformational home improvement projects. It will have a quick, simple and easy to shop layout featuring a wide range of products and includes a Dulux in-store mixing service, a new outdoor project centre and a purpose-built Kitchen and Bathroom Showroom, with experienced Design Consultants, who can assist customers’ transformational projects. The store will also bolster the digital journey with Click & Collect parking bays and a smart fulfilment area supporting local home deliveries direct from the store; providing more ways to shop for customers”.
The site at Edginswell was purchased by Torbay Council in 2018, the delivery of the development will be managed by TDA the Council’s inward investment company.
This is just one of many multi-million pound projects happening in Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. For more information visit: https://www.torbay.gov.uk/council/policies/masterplans/
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