Torquay beach to re-open for first time in three years

The beach was closed after a storm damaged the access road and steps at what was one of the English Riviera's most popular destinations.
Torbay Council had started work on a long-term plan to restore access to the beach, but the project was delayed due to the pandemic.
The Watcombe Beach work is included in local projects being funded by £1.7million awarded to Torbay to 'increase life chances and opportunities'.
The cash comes from the government's UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), part of the Levelling Up agenda.
Eight bay-wide projects have already been commissioned thanks to the funding, with more expected to start in the coming months.
One of the projects will focus on improving Torbay’s green spaces. Led by the charity Groundwork South, 90 volunteers will improve sites in Westerland Valley, as well as working on the Grade II-listed Parkfield House and maintaining the historic gardens.
Other initiatives include plans to create a new green space at a disused car park in Melville, Torquay.
Another project receiving UKSPF funding will see the creation of new Geopark walking trails and experiences. Led by the English Riviera BID Company, the new programme of activities will enhance Torbay’s offer to visitors and residents, particularly in the shoulder season, and help support local businesses.
Managed by TDA on behalf of Torbay Council, Torbay’s £1,764,043 will be spent over three years on projects delivered by a range of community, private and public organisations. The projects will focus on three key investment areas including: communities and place, local businesses and people and skills.
Running alongside these projects is the government-funded Multiply Programme which launched in Torbay earlier this year. The programme offers free maths and numeracy courses to adults aged 19 and over, giving people the skills they need to progress in their careers, secure well-paid jobs and improve their wellbeing.
Torbay Council received £613,000 to deliver the Multiply Programme as part of the government’s Levelling Up agenda.
Councillor Chris Lewis, Cabinet member for place services and economic growth for Torbay Council, said: ‘‘We’re using Torbay’s allocation of Shared Prosperity Funding to support local businesses, boost opportunities for local people to develop their skills and create spaces for communities to enjoy.
‘‘The projects that we’ve commissioned cover a wide range of activities and will make a big impact to local people and the local area. With this funding, we’re working hard to increase people’s life chances and create a Torbay where people are proud to live, work and visit.’’
To read more about UKSPF and to see a full list of the commissioned projects visit https://investintorbay.com/ukspf/