Jim Parker: 'Why can't we have a bit of what Liverpool has?'

I have just returned from a short break in Liverpool where my brilliant 11-year-old granddaughter Willow-Mae was competing in the British Gymnastics Championships. She did us, her South Devon School of Gymnastics Club and the Bay proud and showed far more bottle than I ever had competing and performing in front of thousands of people in the grand M and S Arena and in the same company as Olympic, British, European and World champions and medallists. One day soon you, Willow, one day very soon!

I must admit I was blown away by Liverpool and fell in love with the city from the moment I set foot in it

Yep. I only saw the good bits and I know there are areas in the city which have major deprivation, poverty, anti-social behaviour, drink and drugs and other social/related problems just like anywhere else including dear old Torbay.

But Liverpool is not backward in celebrating its rich past, especially its cultural and sporting past and prowess. Statues and tributes to the Beatles and the other famous names from the 60s and 70s Musical Hall of Fame abound everywhere. 

Mathew Street, where the Fab Four first performed in the Cavern, was magical and you expected Ken Dodd to pop up any minute with his Notty Ash tickling stick. And then, of course you have football and Liverpool FC mania.

But what also struck me was the way the city had tackled regeneration turning old city centre and dockland buildings into thriving new business ventures like little cafés and bars dotted around the waterfront and quayside.

Then you have  the Grade One Royal Liver Building, Opened in 1911, the building is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Liverpool with its two fabled Liver birds, which watch over the city and the sea. 

Alongside it is one of the city's modern-day skyscraper apartment blocks but it doesn't stick out or blot the landscape. It is another great example of old and new mixing so well together.

A lot of this regeneration work came under the banner of Liverpool ONE, a private-public sector partnership. Designed to revive the city's fortunes by creating 2.5 million sq. ft. of retail and other uses, it is one of the largest city centre regeneration schemes this century.

Now I know you cannot compare Torbay to Liverpool but the same thing is happening here albeit on a much smaller scale. It was ironic that while we were away came news of the 154-bedroom four-star hotel plan for the former Debenham site on Torquay harbour side. It has to be emphasised that these are early plans and early days. But part of the proposals is to link the Strand and the Terrace with an iconic staircase opening up of the panoramic and brilliant harbour views and the branded hotel would sit opposite and below buildings that have given Torquay its grandeur over many years. Buildings that align Victoria and Vaughan Parade, new and old working together.

The initial reaction from some was predictable. With then new Hampton by Hilton and Premier Inn why another hotel? The answer is simple. A previous scheme, which included apartments, is simply not viable and would not attract investors. A £70milllon hotel with commercial units beneath is a far more viable and attractive proposition.

Alan Denby, the council's Director of Place, explained the reasoning eloquently on social media: "Work in the short and long term in locations like the Bay is difficult and we’ve seen this up and down the country. Getting major investment into towns like Brixham, Paignton and Torquay requires a vision, a partnership approach and some risks to be taken. 

"The potential use, which is subject to planning, is not one the team has arrived at lightly. Market testing for other uses shows that this is the best way to make a scheme at this site viable and attract private investment. We’re working hard with our partners to attract more investment to build on what we have won from the government in recent years so that the Bay has a vibrant future."

The scheme is the baby of a public/private regeneration partnership - just like Liverpool -  between Torbay Council and developers Willmott Dixon and Milligan.

Milligan CEO Stuart Harris said on social media: "The Strand in Torquay is getting everyone talking... early designs for the new waterfront scheme are in. We’re thrilled to be driving this game-changing transformation with Torbay Council and Willmott Dixon.

"This is more than just a regeneration project – it’s about delivering something truly special for the town, blending high-quality design with exceptional experiences. One of the key design features is a striking new staircase, which will enhance the public realm and provide a seamless connection between the harbourside and The Terrace improving connectivity to the Hilton, Premier Inn, and car park.

"From the boutique hotel to the thoughtfully curated commercial spaces, every aspect of this development is being shaped to celebrate Torquay’s unique character and waterfront setting. We look forward to working with the community to bring this vision to life and make The Strand a place that residents and visitors alike will enjoy for generations to come.” 

It was also great to hear that just up the road a new tenant is being lined up for part of the empty Living Coasts site with ARC Marine, world pioneers in restoring sea life with special artificial reefs, hoping to move in. They are natural fit for part of the Beacon Cove, still leaving room for a leisure style facility on the remaining part of the site.

And then we  have interest in the Pavilion, with speculation of a cultural arts/community hub - with modern day again mixing with old. Torbay Council leader Dave Thomas says of the hotel scheme and Living Coasts development: "It’s like buses, you wait for one and then two come along."

He added: "There should be a planning application for the hotel in September. The next piece of work will be for the residents to see what it looks like from top to bottom. This is a considerable next step up in the regeneration programme and is one of the best pieces of 'real estate' currently being marketed across the South West."

Deputy leader Chris Lewis said: "As an administration, more than two years ago we said we would deliver and we are delivering. We have developed The Strand . It's early days for the hotel scheme but this is a life changer for Torbay. It will transform that part of the harbour. It will attract new business in the area. It will up the values of properties around the harbour and it will attract more tourists. It is a win-win situation for Torquay and Torbay."

He emphasised: "This is not a quick fix. This is going to take a few years to achieve like Plymouth and Exeter. Do not expect to wake up on Monday morning and expect it all done."

So, what Liverpool can have, so can we, but how do we compete with the Beatles? Hang on a minute, don't we have the world's most famous author as a daughter of the Bay? And isn't a statue of Dame Agatha about to go up in the middle of all the regeneration work about to breathe new life into the Bay. Old and new mixed as one....