Torquay Market Regeneration Scheme Unveiled
Plans for what would be the biggest project in Torquay Town Centre since the construction of Fleet Walk 3 decades ago have been unveiled.
Unlike the controversial demolition of many historic buildings as part of that project, this one is centred on reviving one of Torquay’s most significant Victorian Buildings: The Old Market.
Developments in recent decades have seen the old building have unsympathetic modern concrete attached to it, with it not having been updated internally for some time. Yet much of its external heritage still exists and is able to be revived.
The changes proposed do not just extend to a regeneration of the market but would see the demolition of Union Square and several old retail buildings which have either been empty or in poor condition. There will be an engagement process with those businesses present in them, with Torbay Council already having acquired several buildings around Union Square (Which it also owns).
Whilst the street scene around the old market would change, Union Street will remain open to traffic (as it is currently) and the Union Square multi-storey car park would be retained. The project is being supported by funding from the Town Deal and is part of the development partnership agreement with Willmott Dixon and Milligan.
Alongside planned residential apartments, including affordable housing provision, uses envisaged for the new buildings include providing further NHS out-patient services in the Town Centre. This forming part of work to deliver options which will relieve pressure on the Torbay Hospital site. A Planning Application is due next year.
Kevin Foster said: "Prior to July and since, I have been pleased to work with the Conservative Council Leadership to get many long-delayed schemes underway and to bring forward new ones like this. Having control of the council also means, if necessary, they can push forward with the necessary decisions and avoid some of the arguing and indecision which has delayed vital regeneration in the recent past."
