A POPULAR resort town could see its biggest demolition and redevelopment since the 1980s.
The demolition would see a shopping centre partially stripped for an £11 million project in the centre of the “Queen of English Riviera“.
Google mapsPlanning permission has been applied to transform the Union Square shopping centre[/caption]
MilliganUnion Square is the first site to be brought forward for planning as part of the Regeneration Partnership between Torbay Council and Willmott Dixon[/caption]
The Union Square shopping centre in Torquay is facing having nine of its shops demolished if planning permission is granted by the council.
Torquay Council’s development partner, Willmott Dixon, submitted the plans as part of wider hopes for improvements to be made in the town centre.
Council deputy leader Chris Lewis said last year the town was “desperate for change” when the project was launched last year.
Leader David Thomas added: “This really is a once-in-a-generational opportunity for Torbay, and we hope the community shares our enthusiasm and excitement.”
Included in the final plans are construction of apartments mixed with shops, restaurants, and offices, as well as a GP surgery.
Torquay’s historic pannier market would also be redeveloped on the exterior, with a public square created.
The market itself is expected to remain, as well as the multi-storey carpark which comes with the centre.
The project has already been backed by £11 million of government funding, with further funding expected from the public and private sector.
If granted, it would be the biggest redevelopment in the seaside town since the old Fleet Street was demolished and replaced by the Fleet Walk shopping centre.
Revamping of Torquay’s town centre comes along plans to also regenerate its seaside area, set to be worth £70 million.
It involves construction of a sparkling new 154-room hotel and restaurants, with hopes it will become a posh new destination.
This is because Torquay has been considered “one of the worst [towns] in the UK“, with dilapidated stories, litter-filled streets and a decline in footfall.
A survey last year also revealed Torquay to be Brits’ least favourite town in regards to value for food and drink, as well as cultural sights.
The survey by Which? found Torquay only received an overall score of 58.
An independent radio store runner, Lee Dixon of Dixon’s Real Deal, told The Sun in an interview during the Easter school holidays: “It’s gone really quiet and people aren’t coming into town as much as they used to.
“More of us are having to trade more online, we all prefer face to face business but it’s not happening.”
Torquay Council in response to this footfall in the town hope to revitalise the area with the building of 100 new homes, healthcare facilities and shops.
The Council told Devon Live: “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.“
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