Work to improve three key sites - Upton Park, Princess Gardens and Royal Terrace Gardens - in Torquay continues this week as work starts on the Sunken Gardens at Princess Gardens.

It was announced in October 2020 that Torquay will receive a significant investment of £21.9 million from the Government’s Towns Fund.

Thanks to accelerated funding of £750,000, three projects are being delivered immediately as part of the first phase of the Town Investment Plan.

The projects - led by TDA and us, with the works being delivered by SWISCo - will help to revitalise the town centre and surrounding areas.

Earlier in the month, work started on the new Banjo path at Princess Gardens, and tree works and resurfacing of the football and netball courts at Upton Park also got underway. A video showing a simulation of how the new festoon lighting at Royal Terrace Gardens would look was also unveiled, with work to install the lighting due to start this week as well.

Councillor Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said: “It’s great to see these projects progressing well, with the latest work starting at Princess Gardens and the Sunken Gardens. It is hoped that all three projects will be completed by the end of April 2021.”

Councillor Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing, said: “This is an exciting time for Torbay and will make a huge difference to the area. Each project within the investment plan will drive forward a better experience in the town centre, provide a better mix of uses, and create a place where people enjoy spending their time.”

The wider Town Investment Plan targets challenges at key locations, including Torquay Pavilion, and improving transport connections by supporting the Edginswell Rail station. The total development cost of the projects in the Town Investment Plan is an estimated £135 million.

Work on these projects comes at an exciting time for Torbay, with a range of multi-million pound projects coming online. These include £21.9m from the government for Torquay Towns Fund, plus £13.36m announced by the government last month for the Future High Streets Fund for Paignton. This is in addition to a brand new ‘Torquay Gateway’ train station announced for Edginswell area, with £7.8m awarded from Network Rail and Department for Transport for its development. There are also plans to enhance Brixham in line with the Brixham Peninsula Neighbourhood Plan, with key areas earmarked including Harbour regeneration and Brixham Town Centre Car Park redevelopment.

Find out more about the projects