Inside Torbay’s £200m regeneration: what’s really happening

Torbay’s huge regeneration is 18 months in and just getting started.

In that time developers Willmott Dixon and Milligan have taken big strides in delivering a new future for the Bay since joining forces with Torbay Council in a private/public sector partnership.

More than £200million investment and government funding is on the table as the partners - not just the developers and local authority but the community and other stakeholders - look to turn the Torbay Story narrative and what Torquay, Paignton and Brixham have to offer into a real-life success story and secure the English Riviera’s future for generations to come.

In this conversation with Torbay Tomorrow Stuart Harris, CEO of Milligan, and Chris Wheeler, Head of Land and Development at Willmott Dixon, reflect on what’s been achieved so far, what makes the Bay’s towns so distinctive, and why community voices are central to the journey ahead.

Q Torbay Tomorrow: You’ve been working together on this partnership for a year and a half. What’s been achieved so far?

Stuart Harris: We’ve made real progress. Firstly, I think it is important to outline that the approach has always been about looking at Torbay as a whole, centred around the Torbay Story and how within that, we build on the strength and identities of the different areas of the Bay. Three major sites are already moving forward—The Strand in Torquay, Crossways in Paignton, and Union Square in the heart of Torquay. Each one is different, but together they show what this partnership is about: delivering real change for all, rooted in place.

Chris Wheeler: And we’ve done it by working closely with the Council, local stakeholders and the community. We’ve taken the time to understand what each town needs, and we’ve started with a clear vision that’s now guiding everything we do, while making sure it all links back to the overarching goals for Torbay.

Q: Torbay Tomorrow: Let’s talk about those three sites. What’s happening on the ground?

Stuart Harris: The Strand, the former Debenhams building overlooking Torquay’s harbour is very exciting. It’s a landmark site where we’re looking to develop a 154-room upscale hotel with a rooftop bar, event space, and ground-floor commercial units targeting local and regional independents. It’s truly special for the town, blending high- quality design with experience. 

A striking new staircase 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. 

It’s designed to boost the town’s visitor economy and fill a gap in the local hotel market as currently, over 96 per cent of rooms in Torbay are economy to midscale.

Chris Wheeler: Crossways in Paignton is all about community. We’re transforming the old shopping centre into 91 extra care homes for social rent, with a new day centre, café and landscaped gardens. It’s a 100 per cent affordable scheme that supports independent living and brings life back to the town centre.

Stuart Harris: And Union Square is the first site we have brought forward for planning. It’s a major redevelopment of a former shopping centre, with new homes, healthcare facilities, and a cafe or two. 

The car park will be retained and upgraded and we’re looking to reveal the whole of the listed Pannier Market much of which has been hidden behind the concrete mass of the shopping centre since. 

It’s backed by £11m of Town Deal funding and will be a real anchor for Torquay’s high street and better connect with the Pannier Market. 

Torbay Tomorrow: What makes this partnership work?

Chris Wheeler: It’s the mix of skills. Milligan brings vision, placemaking, and development expertise. Willmott Dixon brings delivery and social value. And the Council brings local knowledge and ambition.

We’re aligned in wanting to make a lasting difference. We are looking at the collective value of what Torbay has to offer and leveraging the whole, while balancing localised differences. A lot of other regions and local authorities have their eye on what we’re doing here.

 Viability challenges make regeneration ambitions impossible, all over the country. This kind of close collaboration and a private-public sector partnership set over a long term (10 to 15 years) is starting to unlock potential.

Stuart Harris: We also share a belief that regeneration isn’t just about buildings—it’s about people and community, so listening and engaging at every step of the journey is crucial. 

The vision documents we’ve collectively created for each town are based on what we’ve heard from residents, businesses and community groups and they provide a realistic blueprint that frames the opportunities in each town for future investment as well as for the Torbay area as a whole.

Torbay Tomorrow: What stands out to you about Torquay, Paignton and Brixham?

Stuart Harris: Each town has its own character. Torquay has scale and ambition. Paignton has a strong community feel. Brixham has a proud working harbour and a real sense of independence. That diversity is a strength—and it means we’re not applying a cookie-cutter approach.

Chris Wheeler: We’re building on what’s already great. These towns have brilliant local businesses, creative people, and a strong sense of place. Our job is to support that—not replace it. Regeneration should help the community thrive and give local brands, businesses and entrepreneurs the platform to grow and share in collective success.

Torbay Tomorrow: How have you involved the community so far?

Chris Wheeler: We’ve held public consultations, workshops, and one-to-one conversations, we’ve even been in schools to ensure the next generation are consulted. People have been generous with their time and ideas. They’ve told us what matters— whether it’s better public spaces, more affordable homes, or places to meet and connect.

Stuart Harris: And we’re not done. We want to keep hearing from people—especially those with positive, proactive ideas. This is a long-term journey, and the more voices we include, the better the outcome will be. Torbay Tomorrow: What’s next?

Stuart Harris: We’re moving into delivery. Planning applications are progressing, and we’re starting to shape the next wave of projects. But we’re also staying open—open to feedback, to new ideas, and to partnerships.

Chris Wheeler: The future of the Bay depends on partnerships of all shapes and sizes and true collaboration. If you’re a local business, a community group, or just someone who cares about your town—we want to hear from you.

This article appeared in the latest edition of Torbay Tomorrow. Want a copy? Email: tiegan.way@clearskypublishing.co.uk