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23 Oct 2025

New-look Torquay harbour takes step forward

Phase Two of Strand revamp to start after first phase delay

How the re-modelled harbourside will look Pic Torbay Council

How the re-modelled harbourside will look Pic Torbay Council

Reporter:

jim Parker

03 Feb 2024 6:59 AM

Email:

jim.parker@clearskypublishing.co.uk

Plans to give the Torquay harbour area a 21st century look are taking another step forward.
The Strand 'public realm project' involves giving the area a 'piazza'-style, market square touch with the landmark Clock Tower at the centre of the regeneration project.
Traffic flow will be reduced and buses and taxis moved away from the main waterfront area.
The scheme will eventually complement the plans for the former Debenhams store which is being demolished to make way for an apartments and food and drink development.
Phase Two of the Strand scheme starts on Monday February 5.
Torbay Council says there have been some delays to the first phase of the project due to the discovery of a number of uncharted live buried utility services. 
It says: "To allow work to continue safely, the relevant utility providers were required to attend to make safe and / or relocate the services. This delay was completely out of our control, other Phase 1 work continued as normal."
The council says that during phase 1 various planting was removed from the central reservation.
Phase 2 will see remaining planting removed from The Strand but the council says: "This will be a carefully managed process, with most of the green planting being rehomed elsewhere in the local community."
It also says that five trees are being removed from the south side of The Strand. "It is not possible to offer these trees for rehoming in the community due to their deep bedded roots and the sheer size of them. We are looking to use them in two ways - in our woodland areas to create habitat piles that will encourage biodiversity and, although not particularly durable for outdoor use, they could be used for indoor furniture or cabinet making."
The council adds: "We appreciate the removal of planting and trees will concern the community. We would like to reassure them that the new look Strand will include planting 14 new plane tree species along with biodiverse coastal specific planting mixes. Planting along Cary Parade will be unaffected. Two large existing trees on Vaughan Parade are also being retained.
Phase 2 works are expected to last 18-weeks. "We do understand that the unexpected delay during the first phase of the project has had an impact on the delivery of future phases of work.

Over the coming weeks we are going to consider how we can best deliver future phases of the project in a way that minimises the impact on businesses and the tourism sector, " says the council.

Traffic, buses and taxis will all be affected by the works. The Strand will be reduced to a single lane of traffic, controlled by traffic lights at the junctions of: Torwood Street, Victoria Parade and the Strand junctions.

"Traffic delays can be expected in and around the area. If possible, we advise motorists to use an alternative route," says the council.

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