'Vital step' for multi-million pound Torquay town centre revamp

Residents and businesses are being asked to have their say on multi-million pound plans for Torquay's Union Square. Proposals have been unveiled that would see the shopping centre demolished and redeveloped into affordable housing.

Torbay Council has already outlined its plan for the site and released concept images of what it could look like. It says the current multi-storey car park would be retained, with new "high-quality homes", retail spaces, leisure facilities, public areas, and an NHS centre built on the site.

The council says the redevelopment would have significant economic and social benefits for Torquay and the surrounding area, including a "revitalised" town centre with an improved public realm. As part of the project, the Grade II listed Pannier Market would be restored as a freestanding building and undergo a major refurbishment. A new pocket park is also planned for the corner of Union Street and Market Street.

The consultation is part of a wider set of initiatives planned to improve Torquay town centre, with Torbay Council working alongside regeneration and construction firms Willmott Dixon and Milligan.

Cllr Chris Lewis, deputy leader of Torbay Council and cabinet member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said; “We’re excited to offer local residents, businesses, and visitors the opportunity to shape the future of Union Square shopping centre. This ambitious redevelopment will transform the area, creating much-needed homes, leisure facilities, and public spaces that will benefit Torquay for generations to come.

"We encourage everyone to have their say through the consultation and help us build a revitalised town centre that meets the needs of our community.”

Chris Wheeler, regional head of land and development at Willmott Dixon, said; “At Willmott Dixon we are passionate about shaping and delivering developments that leave a lasting legacy for the community. Union Square looks to deliver a thriving community through high quality new homes and employment opportunities for local people. By working through consultation with local stakeholders and the community we will be able to ensure we can achieve this goal through collaboration."

Stuart Harris, CEO for developer Milligan, said: “Engaging with Torquay’s communities is a vital step in shaping the future of Union Square. We’re eager to hear from a broad and diverse range of voices, including the next generation, to ensure our plans reflect the aspirations and needs of the people who this town home.

"To get it right for Torquay’s future, we need the community’s ideas and perspectives on how they envision living and working in the neighbourhood.”

How to have your say on Torquay Union Square plans

Local residents, businesses, and visitors are invited to have their say via an online questionnaire at https://yoursay.torbay.gov.uk/unionsquare. Or by attending drop in events that will be taking place on:

• Saturday, November 30 from 11am until 3pm
• Thursday, December 5 from 11am until 3pm.

Both events will be held in Unit 11, Union Square (opposite the stairwell and lift lobby).

Torquay Library will have paper copies of the questionnaire along with information boards on the plans from Wednesday (November 27).

What will happen next?

The consultation will run until Friday, December 20 and following the feedback period, the project team intends to submit a planning application in spring 2025. A decision is expected in the first half of the year.

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