Core Public Realm (GPO Roundabout)

Updated 6 August 2024

The Town Centre Public Realm is more commonly known to some as the GPO roundabout. It is located between Union Street and Fleet Street.

Due to how the space is currently designed, the layout disconnects the two main shopping areas and ‘bookends’ the high street, rather than encouraging pedestrians to flow through the town centre.

By investing in the area, we can:

Open the space between Union Street and Fleet Street – better linking the town centre with the harbour.
Create a high-quality public realm space that builds on the enhancements already made to Union Street and Fleet Street, where people enjoy spending their time.
Create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly space.
Incorporate art and culture to support our growing arts and cultural sector, as we aim to be the premier tourist resort in the UK.

At the end of 2022, we ran a public consultation on five concept ideas. The purpose of the consultation was to understand how you currently use the space, and what things are important for you that we need to consider as part of the design process.

Funding

£600,000 of Town Deal Funding has been allocated to this project.

Project benefits

Improvements proposed for this area will:

Reduce motor vehicle flow
Make it a more attractive area for residents
Improve the connection between the two main shopping streets

This will help to:

Make the town centre more attractive to residents and visitors
Increase footfall
Encourage more investment in the surrounding area

Project timeline

Public consultation on five concept ideas took place between 8 December 2022 and 8 January 2023.

Using the feedback, we received during the public consultation we have been working on a design that suits shoppers, businesses, transport providers, emergency service partners and highways teams.

At this time, we do not know when work on this project is expected to start.

Organisations working on the project

Torbay Council
GRO Landscapes Architects Ltd