Torquay, a seaside town in south Devon, is preparing for an extensive £70 million regeneration project aimed at revitalising the area and addressing growing concerns over litter and anti-social behaviour. Once a popular tourist destination known for its scenic beaches and coastal views, Torquay has recently experienced a decline, prompting some residents to express frustrations over the current state of their surroundings.
Local opinion has shifted, with some residents describing parts of the town as a "hellhole." Issues such as litter accumulation and the presence of drug paraphernalia have sparked worries about safety, leading to fears about walking through certain areas. “We have contacted the council, the police and Swisco (the street cleaning and maintenance company), but haven’t heard back from any of them,” one resident commented, highlighting a level of dissatisfaction with the response from local authorities. They contrasted the town's past glory with present-day issues, stating, “It annoys me when you read all these pieces about Torquay being such a lovely place, yet, just two minutes from where the tourists walk up and down, you have this horrendous thing.”
In response to the local challenges, Torbay Council has confirmed the initiation of the regeneration scheme, which is anticipated to transform the area significantly. As reported by The Sun, the plans include the development of a new luxury hotel, described as a "high-quality landmark." This new hotel will be situated in The Strand area of the harbourside and will feature 154 rooms alongside a grand ground floor space designed to provide visitors with exceptional views of the harbour. The project also includes a staircase connecting the harbourside with The Terrace, which councillors believe will enhance accessibility and the overall atmosphere of the location.
The regeneration initiative is expected to create approximately 80 full-time jobs and attract an estimated 86,000 additional visitors to Torquay over the first three decades following its completion. The council aims to leverage these developments not only to improve local amenities but also to restore the town's reputation as a vibrant tourist destination.
With the regeneration project on the horizon, local stakeholders and residents alike are observing how these efforts will address ongoing concerns and breathe new life into a town that once catered to a bustling holiday trade.
Source: Noah Wire Services