BREAKING NEWS: New tenant secured for Living Coasts

ARC Marine has signed an exclusivity agreement with Torbay Council and the Wild Planet Trust to develop a state-of-the-art marine restoration centre at the former Living Coasts site in Torquay.

This marks the first major step in transforming the former coastal zoo into a hub for ocean conservation and habitat restoration. ARC Marine, a leader in marine habitat restoration and subsea protection technology, has been confirmed as the site’s new tenant.

Legal negotiations are now underway for ARC Marine to take on the site. The company has secured major investment to redevelop the site into its operational headquarters and a research and development hub focused on ocean conservation and habitat restoration.

The new centre will drive cutting-edge research, innovation, education, and outreach, supporting efforts to restore marine ecosystems and promote sustainable blue economy initiatives. ARC Marine already delivers large-scale marine restoration projects across the UK, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. This new facility will provide a space for its expanding international operations.

Tom Birbeck, Founder and CEO of ARC Marine, said: “This is such an exciting milestone for ARC Marine, and we are glad to work alongside Torbay Council and the Wild Planet Trust to bring this vision to life. The former Living Coasts site is the perfect facility for us, and all of the infrastructure is already in place to carry out testing and development on our nature-based solutions.”

The tenancy is expected to bring significant benefits to the region, boosting Torbay’s position as a centre for marine research and conservation while creating skilled jobs and opportunities in the local community.

Most of the ARC marine team are local to Torbay and have attended South Devon College, the University of Plymouth or Exeter. Many are keen to remain in their hometown but still pursue a career in the marine industry.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said: “We are thrilled that with the Wild Planet Trust we have been able to work together to find a new user for the prominent harbourside location. The location lends itself perfectly to being a world-class marine research and development hub.

“What makes this even more special is ARC Marine is a local company that already has a base in the area. By keeping their operations within Torbay, they can continue to grow local talent and inspire a new generation of marine conservationists.”

Torbay Council and the Wild Planet Trust have welcomed the agreement, recognising its potential to revitalise the site and contribute to global efforts to protect marine ecosystems.

Stephen Kings, Interim CEO of Wild Planet Trust, said: “The Trustees at Wild Planet Trust have worked hard to find the best company to operate on the former Living Coasts site. We have undergone an open and diligent process and have concluded that ARC Marine is that company. As a conservation education and research charity, we have noted that ARC Marine is local to Torbay and has a wonderful reputation, coupled with exciting visionary plans to move to and then develop the Living Coasts site. ARC Marine are very much aligned with Wild Planet Trust's core mission of how to live more sustainably with nature, leading to the outcome of 'Helping Halt Species Decline.”

Further updates will be provided as legal negotiations progress.