Torquay harbourside works disruption 'kept to a minimum'

12 March 2024

Alex Green & Guy HendersonBBC News & Local Democracy Reporting Service

News image — Work is in progress on Torquay's harbourside

Guy Henderson Torquay harbourside works — Work is in progress on Torquay's harbourside

Disruption being caused by the regeneration of the harbourside in Torquay is being kept to a minimum, a council says.

The scheme, part of a widescale regeneration of Torbay, has been funded by money from the government's Levelling Up Fund.

There are concerns visitors are now avoiding the area because of the works.

Torbay Council said the changes would mean less congestion and pollution.

Council deputy leader Chris Lewis admitted the area "had become a bus station", but added that the regeneration would "deliver something much better".

Guy Henderson Torbay Council's deputy leader Chris Lewis — Torbay Council deputy leader Chris Lewis said the area had become a "bus station"

Mr Lewis said: "What we have done is talk to all the businesses to see where we can help them.

"We're going to open the road to two-way traffic over the Easter period, there's more parking coming onboard, 300 more places ... it is about partnership and teamwork."

When the £4m project is completed in the autumn, the former road arrangement is due to be replaced by a narrower roadway and a wider pedestrian area.

The new open area would allow pedestrians access to the Grade II listed Mallock clock tower, as well as giving space for seating and pop-up events, project bosses said.

Torbay Council An artist's impression of the finished harbourside in Torquay — It is hoped the regeneration will reduce congestion and pollution

Temporary traffic lights around the site have led to delays for commuters, and some businesses had said their trade was being hit by the works, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Tom Willis, who runs a boat sales office on the harbourside, said he thought the regeneration was "a good thing".

He said: "We're a local business and we are seeing a bit of an impact. But, at the same time, I do think the area needs some money spending on it, so, hopefully, long-term, it will actually be a good thing.

"Short-term pain for long-term gain, hopefully."

Mr Lewis said the council was holding regular meetings with harbourside traders.

He said no road closures were planned during the school summer holidays, and some of the unsightly fences on part of the site would be dismantled by Easter.