Torbay’s MP, Kevin Foster has welcomed news the Heads of Terms for the £21.9m Torquay Town Deal has been signed today (Wednesday 13th January 2021) by the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government and Torbay Council.
The news comes as work is set to start on the first 3 projects to be delivered under the Town Deal, using accelerated funding of £750,000 provided by the Government. Enabling and development works will begin at Upton Park, Princess Gardens and Royal Terrace Gardens, ahead of the full works starting, as the first phase of delivering the Town Investment Plan gets underway.
The wider Town Investment Plan targets challenges at key locations in Torquay, including The Pavilion, Union Street and improving transport connections by supporting plans for a new Rail Station at Edginswell.
Commenting Kevin Foster MP said: “The signing of these Heads of Terms is another step forward in delivering the revitalisation of Torquay Town Centre so many residents want to see. Whilst the storm clouds of the pandemic may still be overhead, the vaccination programme means we can start looking ahead with confidence and plan for our Town to build back better based on the major investment the Town Deal represents for Torquay.”
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For more information please contact Kevin Foster on 01803 214 989
Further Detail On First Three Projects:
Upton Park: Investment in Upton Park will bring a variety of social benefits to the community and ensure residents and visitors are able to make best use of the location. Tree works will start immediately to increase light levels, sightlines and enhance the sense of space within the park.
The tree works will include the crown lifting of trees on the boundary of the park and highway. This will mean lower branches will be removed up to a height of eight metres above the ground on mature trees. Such work increases light levels and will help the park feel less oppressive. Trees which are being removed will be replaced with a replanting scheme to change the species diversity and age structure, whilst increasing wildlife potential.
Works to bring the netball facility back into use will follow, and further enhancements of the existing sports facilities. The parks lighting is to be upgraded to a LED system which will further help improve the parks amenities and help with a sense of space and pride in the park. Footpath and fencing will follow to improve access and enhance amenities and links through and within the space.
Princess Gardens: Improvements to Princess Gardens and Sunken gardens will provide better access, an event space within the former banjo area, enhanced landscape scheme for the gardens and around the war memorial, upgrading of the promenade lighting and enhanced illuminations.
Royal Terrace Gardens: Investment in Royal Terrace Gardens will include improving the illuminations along the sea front with more creative lighting year-round. By linking Royal Terrace Gardens with Abbey Gardens and Princess Gardens the project will encourage more people to connect with the seafront, visit different locations and offer a boost to night-time economy.
