Multi-million pound harbourside plans revealed

Torquay’s harbourside is set to be regenerated in a multi-million pound project aimed at attracting new visitors to the town.

The redevelopment, which will stretch across The Strand, is projected to provide about 80 full-time jobs, £32m in wages and bring 86,000 new visitors over a 30-year period, Torbay Council said.

The design feature elements such as a sweeping staircase that would better connect the harbourside with The Terrace. The 0.91-acre site, overlooks the south-facing harbourside, offering views of the inner harbour and beyond.

The council said it was this “unique selling point” that made the scheme an attractive proposition for an investor or developer to create a 154-bedroom hotel with ground floor space for commercial use.

The delivery cost of the scheme is estimated to be in the region of £70m.

The council had ambitions to redevelop 12-14 The Strand (the town’s former Debenhams building) after buying it in 2020. Planning was granted for a mixed-use scheme two years ago.

Since then a range of well-publicised external economic factors deemed the scheme not financially viable for the council, leading them to seek a regeneration partner.

Wilmott Dixon and Milligan were appointed as Torbay’s regeneration partners in autumn 2023.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Torbay Council deputy leader, said; “Our public-private sector partnership has allowed us to move forward with our ambitious regeneration plans for multiple sites across Torbay.

“These latest plans will revolutionise Torquay’s harbourside, complementing not only our new public realm space, but other private sector investment happening around the area.

“Over the summer there will be opportunities for the community to have their say on the proposals as part of the statutory planning process.”

Milligan CEO Stuart Harris added: “The Willmott Dixon Milligan Partnership is incredibly excited to unveil our vision for this landmark scheme, which will redefine Torquay’s harbourside and create a dynamic, vibrant destination.

“This is more than just a regeneration project – it’s about delivering something truly special for the town, blending high-quality design with exceptional experiences. One of the key design features is a striking new staircase, which will enhance the public realm and provide a seamless connection between the harbourside and The Terrace improving connectivity to the Hilton, Premier Inn, and car park.

“From the boutique hotel to the thoughtfully curated commercial spaces, every aspect of this development is being shaped to celebrate Torquay’s unique character and waterfront setting. We look forward to working with the community to bring this vision to life and make The Strand a place that residents and visitors alike will enjoy for generations to come.”

Chris Wheeler, regional head of land development at Willmott Dixon, said: “We’re proud to bring forward these bold concepts for the regeneration of the harbour. Working with stakeholders throughout the process has highlighted the positive impact these proposals will have on the local economy and wider bay.”

Detailed plans are expected to be available for public consultation this summer.

The image, above, shows an early concept design sketch to show what the area could look like. Further images will be available over the coming weeks as the design evolves, the council said.