Torquay, the idyllic Devon seaside town, is to be given a makeover in a groundbreaking £70 million redevelopment of its harborside, designed to make it an even more popular destination for holidaymakers and people who live there. The major scheme, revealed by Torbay Council in partnership with regeneration experts Willmott Dixon and Milligan, will revamp The Strand area with new amenities in a bid to retain the character of the town.
Project Overview
The central feature of the redevelopment will be a mooted 154-bedroom hotel, carefully located so that guests enjoy unobstructed views out over the inner harbour and on to the water. The commercial areas on the ground floor of the hotel are intended to attract local business, and the hotel will reflect and promote the finest Devon has to offer. The architectural highlight—stunning sweeps of staircase space—will knit together the harborside seamlessly with The Terrace, increasing walking accessibility and reconciling the new development with cityscapes around it.
Economic Impact
Aside from its architectural value, the scheme will bring about important economic benefits for the area. It will provide around 80 full-time equivalent jobs, invest £32 million in salaries, and welcome a forecast of 86,000 visits over the space of 30 years. It is hoped this influx will help stimulate local trade, attract investment, and firmly establish Torquay as a world-class destination.
Historical Context and Development
The site earmarked for redevelopment includes the former Debenhams building at 12-14 The Strand, acquired by Torbay Council in 2020. Initially, planning permission was granted in 2023 for a mixed-use scheme; however, due to various economic factors, the original plan was deemed unviable. This led to the strategic partnership with Willmott Dixon and Milligan in late 2023, combining public and private sector expertise to reimagine the harborside’s potential.
Design and Community Involvement
The design team is committed to maintaining Torquay’s rich heritage by examining the way the historical elements of the old Debenhams building, such as its iconic canopy, will be brought into the new development. Public consultation is central to the planning process, with final proposals to be out for consultation with the community during the summer of 2025. This will allow residents to have a say in the future of their town, and feel a sense of ownership and pride in the redeveloped harborside.
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth and Deputy Leader at Torbay Council, was keen to see the project go ahead: “Our public-private sector partnership has enabled us to take forward our ambitious regeneration proposals across several sites within Torbay. These new proposals will transform Torquay’s harborside, complementing not just our new public realm space but also other private sector investments taking place around the area.”
Milligan CEO Stuart Harris pointed out the visionary potential: “This is more than a regeneration project—it’s about creating something very special for the town, fusing high-quality design with exceptional experiences.”
Broader Context of Coastal Redevelopment
Torquay’s move is one of a larger wave of seaside towns investing in schemes for major redevelopment as a way of improving tourist and economic growth. Dover, for example, unveiled a £500 million regeneration scheme as part of its ‘Port of Dover 2050’ vision to turn the space into a tourist hub for the region. Liverpool is also being subject to major redevelopment with its Liverpool Waters project, which promises 9,000 new homes and a flagship cultural attraction.
The launch of Torquay’s £70 million harbourside regeneration scheme is a milestone in the town’s quest to strengthen its seafront appeal. By carefully combining state-of-the-art infrastructure with heritage features, the scheme hopes to build a thriving, economically stable, and visually stunning destination to benefit residents and visitors alike for generations.
