‘New era’ for Torquay harbourside as 154-room boutique hotel plan unveiled

A first look at the proposals, show an exciting new era for Torquay’s harbourside. Stretching across The Strand, between a well-established department store and hospitality venue, the redevelopment promises to cement Torquay as a world-class destination.

The high-quality landmark project would create year-round employment and boost the local economy, providing circa 80 full-time equivalent jobs, £32 million in wages and 86,000 visitors over a 30-year period.

The design feature elements such as a sweeping staircase that would better connect the harbourside with The Terrace.

The 0.91-acre site overlooks the south-facing picturesque harbourside, offering views of the inner harbour and beyond. It is this unique selling point that makes the scheme an attractive proposition for an investor or developer, to deliver a 154-bedroom hotel with ground floor space for commercial use, promoting the best of Devon.

The delivery of the scheme, estimated to be in the region of £70 million, would significantly increase the appeal and land value of other town centre opportunities and developments, and attract new visitors to the area.

Torbay Council had ambitions to redevelop 12-14 The Strand (former Debenhams building) after they purchased it in 2020. Planning was granted for a mixed-use scheme in 2023. Since then, a range of well publicised external economic factors deemed the scheme not financially viable for the council, leading them to seek a regeneration partner.

Wilmott Dixon and Milligan were appointed as Torbay’s regeneration partners in autumn 2023. In 18-months, the expertise of the partnership has gathered significant momentum in bringing forward multiple sites for redevelopment.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said: “Our public, private sector partnership has allowed us to move forward with our ambitious regeneration plans for multiple sites across Torbay.

“These latest plans will revolutionise Torquay’s harbourside, complementing not only our new public realm space, but other private sector investment happening around the area.

“Over the summer there will be opportunities for the community to have their say on the proposals as part of the statutory planning process.”

Stuart Harris, CEO for Milligan, added: “The Willmott Dixon Milligan Partnership is incredibly excited to unveil our vision for this landmark scheme, which will redefine Torquay’s harbourside and create a dynamic, vibrant destination.

“This is more than just a regeneration project - it’s about delivering something truly special for the town, blending high-quality design with exceptional experiences.

“One of the key design features is a striking new staircase, which will enhance the public realm and provide a seamless connection between the harbourside and The Terrace improving connectivity to the Hilton, Premier Inn, and car park. From the boutique hotel to the thoughtfully curated commercial spaces, every aspect of this development is being shaped to celebrate Torquay’s unique character and waterfront setting.

“We look forward to working with the community to bring this vision to life and make The Strand a place that residents and visitors alike will enjoy for generations to come.”

Chris Wheeler, Regional Head of Land Development at Willmott Dixon, said; “We’re proud to bring forward these bold concepts for the regeneration of the harbour. Working with stakeholders throughout the process has highlighted the positive impact these proposals will have on the local economy and wider bay.”

As part of the evolving design process, the design team will be looking at how historical elements of the former Debenhams building, for example the canopy, can be incorporated into the final design.

Detailed plans are expected to be available for public consultation during the summer of 2025.