Torquay to receive £20 million neighbourhood boost

Torquay will be one of 75 towns to benefit from a share of £1.5 billion through a new government initiative.

The town will receive £20 million from the government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative, which aims to restore pride in communities and boost growth.

Torquay is the only town in the South West to receive this funding.

Torbay Council says the £20 million in funding and support will bring meaningful change to local communities over the next decade, tackling deprivation and accelerating growth.

Residents and businesses will be brought together by a neighbourhood board to decide how the money is spent.

Torquay also secured £20 million in funding through the Long-Term Plan for Towns (LTP) in October 2023.

However, the change of government in July 2024 led to the LTP commitment being paused while spending reviews took place.

The council has welcomed the announcement and says it will work with the community to plan how the funding can best benefit local residents.

Cllr David Thomas, Leader of Torbay Council, said: “We are delighted that Torquay has been included in the Plan for Neighbourhoods initiative.

“This funding will be used alongside the £110 million of grant funding we have already received for the area to make Torquay a better place to live, work, and invest in.

“As soon as we can, we will convene a neighbourhood board to start work on shaping and delivering projects that matter most to the community.”