Every fortnight Kevin writes a "Kev's Column" for the Torbay Weekly and you can read the latest edition (Published on Thursday 5th October 2023) below:
Town Centre
If there is one local issue which comes across clearly when out on the doorstep it is the need to deliver on the regeneration of our Town Centres.
The recent closure of Wilkos and other shops in Union St, means parts of Torquay which once bustled with activity now look sad and empty. Combined with some of the well-known problems with street drinking and anti-social behaviour in Castle Circus, it represents a real challenge. Yet the additional £20m now on offer from the Government brings the total level of direct Government support available for the regeneration of Torquay to a staggering £41.9m.
Core to change will be delivery of projects using the funding, which falls to Torbay Council. Progress has been too slow; it is therefore bemusing to see some Councillors who did not drive forward change when they had the chance to do so over the last 4 years now joining demonstrations demanding it. Yet the focus must be on going forward and in Torquay we can already see what can happen.
Sites such as Torwood St and the old B&Q, which were eyesores for years are now redeveloped. A new cinema has occupied the former BHS store. Work is about to get underway converting an abandoned supermarket into a new Community Diagnostic Centre to support the NHS. The derelict municipal chambers are being converted into homes.
As an MP I can work with the Government to deliver the funding tools and powers to deliver regeneration, but at a local level they need to be used. Thankfully I know the Conservative Leadership of Torbay Council is ready to pick them up and finally get shovels in the ground.
Esplanade Hotel
The Esplanade Hotel has new owners.
Whilst Compass Hospitality has leased some of its hotels to the Home Office, it is worth noting a check online indicated many of their hotels were advertising rooms as available for the night. This contrasts with the Esplanade where it has not been available for general booking since last August and currently is only offering rooms from April onwards.
Torbay Council has also confirmed its move to take planning enforcement action over the use of the hotel as long-term accommodation, despite being in the core tourism area, is not affected by the hotel being sold to new owners. Since May Torbay Council has been more pro-active in using its planning enforcement powers, based on the precedents set by previous planning refusals in relation to attempted conversions of other properties on the Esplanade into housing.
I have emailed the new owners enquiring as to what their plans are for the hotel and how they see its future.
Surgery Times
My next surgeries are on: Saturday 7th October 11am till 1pm at The Acorn Centre, Lummaton Cross, Torquay TQ2 8ET and Friday 13th October 10am till 12Noon at 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD.
Surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. For an appointment you can either email me at [email protected] or leave a message on 01803 214989. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.
