Young voices at the heart of plans to transform Castle Circus

Their proposals covered everything from improving transport and boosting the local economy to creating more youth spaces, arts activities and public events. These were formally presented to members of Torbay Council, local businesses and community partners at a Town Hall showcase at the end of last month (23 July).

The event formed part of a wider programme of community activity delivered through the This Is My Circus placemaking project, supported by Torbay Communities.

At Torbay Communities, there’s also a wider call to action for residents to have their say on the £20 million council spend for Torquay’s redevelopment. A new QR code survey is being launched to gather ideas on how people would like the money to be used, ensuring the investment reflects the community’s priorities.

The students' work was met with widespread praise, with many recognising the value of young people’s insights in shaping the future of the area.

Torbay MP Steve Darling commented: “Listening to and acting on young people's views is an essential part of reimagining Torquay town centre. The students from Combe Pafford had some really useful insights into the challenges our town centre faces, and we now need to follow up on these innovative ideas.”

The Town Hall event is just the beginning of an exciting initiative called This Is My Circus – a celebration of community, creativity, and the beautifully unexpected, taking place in Castle Circus from 17–19 October.

Residents, artists, community groups and students will come together to share ideas, enjoy performances, and showcase the imagination, kindness and care at the heart of our town. The initiative has already received unprecedented support from across the community, and the build-up is already taking shape. 

Davina Luther, Creative Lead for This Is My Circus, added: “It was a privilege to witness the energy, intelligence and care that these young people brought to the table.

"Their ideas weren’t just ambitious — they were deeply rooted in compassion for their town and its people. This event reminded us that Castle Circus is more than just a space; it’s a place full of possibility, shaped by the love and generosity of those who live and work here.”

Council Leader Cllr David Thomas, who also attended the event, praised the students’ leadership and the wider community involvement: “The students from Combe Pafford clearly put a tremendous amount of energy and thought into the project.

"It was inspiring to see young people’s ideas, brought to life, through a collection of mosaics, presentation boards and craft work.

"The Castle circus project is also proving to be a powerful catalyst for community engagement, showing that regeneration is about much more than shiny new buildings.”

From mosaics and handmade crafts to urban design concepts and policy suggestions, the students have shown that meaningful change can begin with a single conversation — and a shared sense of place.

With several of the student-led ideas now being explored by local partners, this collaborative effort is already helping to reimagine Castle Circus as a town centre that works for everyone — and puts community at its heart.

Combe Pafford would also like to thank Jewson Builders Merchants, Torquay, for their kind donations to the project and support for the community.

Roxanne Burness-Moakes, Head of Sixth Form, also added: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see our students not just learning about civic responsibility, but living it. Their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to the community have been outstanding and I am extremely proud of them all.”