Updated 7 March 2025
The redevelopment of Union Square is our flagship project for Torquay town centre.
We will deliver this project with our regeneration partners, Willmott Dixon and Milligan.
It has £11 million in Town Deal funding. More public and private investment will support this.
The original business case for the project matches the Torquay Neighbourhood Plan. Voters approved this plan in a referendum in 2019. It also follows the Town Centre masterplan created with community stakeholders in 2015.
Both plans outline a long-term vision for Union Square. They want to link communities, build a town centre for the future, and diversify the local economy.
At the end of 2024, we held a public consultation. This was part of the official planning process for our chosen design option.
The consultation concluded that there was overwhelming support for the proposals.
We will submit a planning application in mid-March 2025. We expect to know the outcome in the summer. Once the team validates the application, users can view it on the Planning Portal.
The scheme's design meets local needs by creating a future-ready town centre hub. This hub will provide much-needed housing and help diversify the local economy.
The scheme will:
- Provide around 100 new homes.
- See the existing multi-storey car park retained.
- Provide new healthcare facilities and provisions.
- See the retention of the Pannier Market.
- Reduce the number of empty shops.
To get ready for the scheme, we’ve started buying properties in the area.
Union Square Shopping Centre is open as usual. Shops on Union Street and Market Street are open, as are essential service providers.
Why are we looking to make changes?
In recent years the retail position of town centres has changed considerably. We are therefore focusing on reshaping and introducing more diverse uses into the town centre to ensure it is thriving and fit for the future
By introducing more non-retail uses into the town centre, we can
- Look at opportunities to provide much needed affordable housing for sale and rent
- Create a better-quality high-street experience that attracts investors and users to the area
- Celebrate and enhance our cultural and heritage offer and assets
Organisations working on the project
- Torbay Council
- Willmott Dixon
- Milligan
Related news
- Public consultation launched on the future of Union Square Shopping Centre
- Marking one year of a successful regeneration partnership with plans for flagship town centre transformational scheme released
- Business case for flagship project in Torquay’s Town Investment Plan to be submitted for funding approval
Project timeline and key information
How long is the planning process expected to take?
We will submit a planning application in March 2025. We expect a decision in the summer.
When will the construction work start?
Following approval, the team expects to start construction work in 2026.
Why are we asking for planning permission now when we’re still securing extra funding?
Securing planning permission is an essential step in confirming the project's viability. It helps us attract more private investment. This way, we’re ready to move forward once we secure funding.
What is the projected cost of the scheme?
The total projected cost is between £60 and £70 million.
What funding does the project already have?
The project has secured £11 million in Town Deal Funding. The rest of the costs are expected to be covered by investors from the public and private sectors.
How many homes does the redevelopment plan propose?
The project will have 102 new homes. This includes 6 studios, 56 one-bedroom apartments, and 40 two-bedroom apartments.
Why are you only building apartment blocks and not family homes?
The town centre location is perfect for higher-density housing like apartments. This approach maximises space and meets the demand for smaller homes. Family housing is being addressed in other regeneration initiatives across Torbay.
What are you doing to keep businesses in the town centre?
We are helping businesses with both short- and long-term relocation plans. This support aims to keep them in the town centre during and after the redevelopment.
Why do you have to get rid of the shopping centre? Why not fill the empty units?
The shopping centre layout is old and doesn’t fit today’s retail needs. Redeveloping the site helps us build a lively mixed-use area. This will include shops, leisure areas, and homes that better serve the community.
How will the work affect nearby businesses?
We will partner with businesses to reduce disruptions during construction. This includes phased work and clear communication about timelines.
What will you do to keep people visiting the town centre when work starts?
We’ll host events, promotions, and community activities. This will boost foot traffic and help local businesses during the redevelopment.
What kind of shops will you be introducing?
The redevelopment aims to draw in a mix of local shops and well-known brands. It will also include leisure and community-focused amenities.
What do you mean by NHS services?
The redevelopment plans feature an NHS centre. This centre may offer services like GP care, community health support, and other health facilities to meet local needs.
How will the redevelopment support sustainable travel?
The site's central location encourages walking, cycling, and public transport use. We're adding lots of bike parking and making paths for walkers to encourage active travel.
How will you ensure that this scheme provides a safe provision for cyclists?
The design includes plenty of bike parking and new paths for walking and cycling across the site. These features will provide safe, secure, and convenient options for cyclists.
Will cars and buses still travel through the town centre?
Yes, cars and buses can still access the town centre. But the project focuses on active travel and aims to enhance pedestrian-friendliness.
Will you have to close the road once the work starts?
Temporary road closures might happen during some construction phases. We will keep disruptions low and notify residents and businesses in advance.
Will there be enough parking spaces for residents and businesses?
Yes, the current multi-storey car park can fit enough cars for residents and shoppers. A Transport Assessment will ensure compliance with our parking standards.
Will you improve the car park to make it safer and more welcoming? This could help prevent anti-social behaviour and rough sleeping.
The car park will be better with brighter lights, more security, and better facilities. This will make it safer and more welcoming.
How will the redevelopment help to solve anti-social behaviour in the town centre?
To reduce anti-social behaviour, we can make public spaces livelier. We can improve lighting and boost foot traffic from both locals and visitors. We are collaborating with our partner organisations to tackle safety concerns.
Why are you focusing on this scheme first when other parts of the town centre have bigger issues?
We see Union Square as a key focus area. It is important and can lead to more regeneration in the town centre.