Work starts on the second phase of the Strand public realm project next week.

From Monday 5 February businesses, motorists and pedestrians are advised that the second phase of work to deliver the Strand public realm project start.

The start of the second phase of the five-stage project means that the Strand will be reduced to a single lane of traffic, controlled by traffic lights, with other temporary changes also being implemented.

On Monday, Montel Civil Engineering will begin rearranging the current traffic management system and introducing a new layout which will see new traffic management measures in place at the junctions of the Strand, Torwood Street and Victoria Parade.

The altered layout will mean new temporary arrangements for pedestrians, both in terms of footpaths, and safe crossing points. Bus stops from the south side of the Strand will be relocated to Cary Parade where a new bus hub has been created.  

The second phase of works will mean that significant delays can be expected in and around the area. If possible, motorists are advised to use an alternative route and add extra time to make their journey.

Unexpected delays to the first phase of the project due to the discovery of several uncharted live buried utility services, meant the second phase of work is starting later than originally planned. Work in some areas during the first phase could not be completed until the relevant utility providers had attended to make safe and / or relocate the services.

Summary of changes during Phase 2:

• Strand reduced to a single lane of traffic, controlled by traffic lights at all junctions.
• All bus stops from the south side of the Strand will be relocated to Cary Parade. The temporary bus stop that was introduced on Torwood Street during Phase 1 remains in place. A new bus stop has been introduced at the bottom of Fleet Street.
• Buses will no longer loop around the Clock Tower, instead they will turn right at the bottom of Fleet Street.
• Taxi ranks are available on Victoria Parade, Torwood Street and Vaughan Road (opposite the Pavilion)
• Temporary pedestrian routes will be marked out, along with safe crossing points.
• Motorists can continue to enter Fleet Walk car park from Cary Parade. There will be a mandatory right turn on exit.
• Remaining planting removed from the Strand. Planting along Cary Parade will be unaffected and will remain as is. The two large existing trees on Vaughan Parade are also being retained.

From Tuesday 6 February, work to remove the remaining planting and trees from the south side of the Strand will be taking place. Following a request from the community, most of the green planting being removed is going to be rehomed elsewhere in the local area. This carefully managed process will ensure that the community benefits, not only from enjoying the existing planting, but also a range of new planting that will be introduced into the final scheme.

Five trees will unfortunately not be able to be rehomed due to their deep bedded roots and size. We are looking to use the trunks from these trees in two ways:

1. In woodland areas across Torbay to create habitat piles that will encourage biodiversity.
2. Although not particularly durable for outdoor use, they could be used for indoor furniture or cabinet making. Anyone interested in the wood should express their interest via engagement@torbay.gov.uk

Cllr Chris Lewis, Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth, said; “This project is the start of the biggest transformation programme that Torquay has seen in decades. It is exciting to see the new scheme start to take shape. As with all major regeneration projects, unexpected delays and unavoidable temporary disruption is part of a transition period as we make major permanent improvements.

“Over the coming weeks we will be considering options on how we can best deliver future phases of work that best suits the needs of local businesses, especially as we approach the summer season.”

Cllr Adam Billings, Cabinet Member for Pride in Place and Parking, said; “Since 2018 the community has been involved in designing a new look Strand which included introducing a high-quality and improved planting scheme. The final scheme will include the planting of 14 new plane tree species along with biodiverse coastal specific planting mixes. The new planting will improve habitat, long-term biodiversity provision and form an integral part of the drainage strategy.

“We do understand the removal of planting and trees will concern the community. This is why we have been actively engaging with representatives of the local community and have planned to rehome as much of the green planting as possible elsewhere in local area.

“In relation to the trunks of the removed trees, local makers who wish to express an interest should contact us, alternatively they will be placed in woodland areas to enhance biodiversity and habitats.”

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

The project has been made possible after we secured £21.9million of Town Deal Funding to deliver the Torquay Town Investment Plan.

Read further information on the Strand project and Torquay Town Investment Plan. 

The community can stay up to date with this project and other projects happening in Torquay by signing up to the Torquay Projects newsletter. 

Find more information on this project on the Strand public realm project page.