Torbay Council has secured £500,000 to improve transport infrastructure and access into Torquay town centre.

On Thursday 9 April 2015 the Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership’s Local Transport Board approved the business case and the funding to reverse traffic flows between the Town Centre and the Torre area.

The Local Transport Board commented that they were impressed by the business case, which included the need for the work to help regenerate Torre and Torquay Town Centre, and the community’s support for this scheme. Construction work will start after the summer season.

Pat Steward, Torbay Council’s Head of Planning and Transport, said: “This is great news as access to the town centre by car is confusing at the moment and the community and investors have told us it needs to change. As well as responding to that demand this scheme will also compliment the South Devon Link Road and the planned work for improving traffic flow between Kerswell Gardens and Torre, which will start in Autumn 2015."

The improvements will provide more direct access into Torquay Town Centre by reversing the flow of traffic along Union Street and improving key junctions, including Abbey Road/Tor Hill Road, Union Street/Laburnum Row and at the top of Trematon Avenue. The scheme will reduce journey times, particularly to the Town Centre, and will increase the use of shops and services in Torre. Pedestrians and cyclists will also benefit from new crossings and improved routes.

For more information on the Torquay Town Centre Access Scheme please visit www.torbay.gov.uk/localtransportboard.