We are thrilled to announce that the first phase of work to regenerate Torquay’s harbourside gets underway next month.

This long awaited, momentous step promises to transform the area into a well-connected, high-quality, modern, and vibrant place.

Montel Civil Engineering has been appointed by the Council to deliver the biggest transformation project that Torquay has seen in decades.

After months of planning and engaging with the community, residents will finally get to witness major improvements being made.

This is the first of the harbourside’s regeneration projects that will bring about significant change to the town centre.

The project which has been made possible after the Council secured £21.9million of Town Deal Funding, will be delivered in five phases.

Together with the contractor, community representatives and transport operators we have agreed a project delivery programme that as much as possible reduces the impact of disruption on local businesses and the community. Further mitigation measures to support the area continue to be worked through and once finalised will be shared publicly.

Phase 1 – November to December 2023

• Traffic reduced to a single lane running in both directions along the Strand.
• Removal and re-construction of the central islands. This includes the removal of all traffic lights and pedestrian crossings.
• Relocation of taxi ranks, bus stops, and temporary bus stops being introduced.
• Contractor site compound set up on the footway outside of the Pavilion.

Phase 2 – January to May 2024

• The Strand will be reduced to a single lane of traffic, traffic management measures will be in operation at the Torwood Street, Victoria Parade, and Strand junctions.

Phase 3 – May to July 2024

• Full closure of the Strand to all traffic for approximately 8-weeks. Diversionary routes will be in place. During this phase the biggest changes to the road layout will be made.

Phase 4 – July to August 2024

• Road closure will be lifted, and traffic will be able to pass through the Strand using the new layout.
• Cary Parade will be reduced to a single lane running in both directions.

Phase 5 – September 2024

• Final surfacing and finishing works including the installation of the new tribute to Agatha Christie.

Throughout all phases of work there will be access to the harbour, Victoria Parade, Fleet Walk (for permitted vehicles), and Fleet Walk car park. Pedestrian walkways, and safe crossing points will also be provided. Businesses and car parks in and around the area remain open.

In the first of a series of planned communication activity to inform the community about this project, businesses in the immediate area were invited to a specially organised drop-in session with the delivery team to understand more about the programme of work, what they need to do to prepare their business and who they need to contact with questions and queries.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth for Torbay Council said; “It is incredibly exciting to have the first of Torquay’s regeneration projects starting, with more to follow in 2024. Projects of this scale will mean unavoidable temporary disruption to traffic flow in and around the area – temporary disruption for permanent improvements.

“By engaging with the community before work starts, and sharing as much information as we can about the project, we hope the community work with us, support us and local businesses as we move through this transition period. I’m looking forward to seeing the changes take shape.”

Vince Flower, Chair of Torquay Town Deal Board said; “As a board we’ve been committed to driving forward change in Torquay. Work starting on this project is a significant milestone in delivering the Town Investment Plan – which ultimately is about creating a town centre that we can all be proud of and is fit for the future.

“Once this project is completed it is going to deliver a range of benefits to residents, visitors, and businesses.”

Read more about the programme of works, including a series of questions and answers on the project. 

The best way to stay up to date with this project is by following the Council’s social media channels or by signing up to the Torquay Projects newsletter via: www.torbay.gov.uk/onetorbay