New era for Torquay entertainment as Arena opens

Torquay’s newest live events venue, Arena Torquay, has officially opened its doors following a major transformation of the former Bohemia nightclub site on Torwood Street.

The 1,200-capacity venue aims to be a cultural and entertainment hub for the Bay, offering a wide range of live music, theatre, comedy, sport, and community events. A VIP launch event took place on Thursday, June 12, ahead of the official public opening on Friday, June 13.

Local interior designer Demi Keenan led the redesign of the space, describing it as a “multi-purpose venue for all ages to enjoy”. 

She said the design had to cater for everything from concerts and burlesque shows to business functions and family events.

The venue includes a large LED screen, flexible staging areas, bespoke bars, and eye-catching interior details — including what Keenan described as “bonkers” bathrooms and record-themed décor. 

“The sound system is on an epic scale – comparable to the O2 Arena,” she said.

The Arena Torquay enterprise is led by owner Steve Garratt, director Dan Sheldon and hospitality manager Jake Sheldon. 

Above: Steve Garratt

Demi praised the team’s vision and energy, adding that their goal is not just to entertain locals but to “create a destination” that brings more visitors and tourism to Torbay.

The launch featured a performance by live band Rock Atlantic and marked the start of what organisers hope will soon become a packed events calendar.

Demi said: “I'm so incredibly proud to be a part of the Arena Torquay as it's such an iconic venue bringing incredible things to our beautiful bay, and wow, what a venue it is. It's always so refreshing when my awesome clients let me have a little free rein too to make the magic come alive.

“It's been such a pure pleasure to work with all the team at the Arena, all sharing the same incredible vision, and also the trades and everyone involved who have done such incredible things in there to make it all work and come to life.

“ I'm so grateful to have been a part of it all and watch this space for the wine bar soon to follow. I wish the whole Arena team a huge success but also know it will be such a success with the positive attitude and drive they all have. Expect to see big things happening in our beloved Torbay.”

Carolyn Custerson, chief executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said: ‘’What a fantastic new events venue for the English Riviera. The inspiring interior of the new Arena in Torquay will, without a doubt, appeal to all ages.

“The diverse and exciting entertainment programme will soon be attracting visitors from across the South West, generating vital overnight stays and helping to grow Torbay’s essential visitor economy. A huge well done to everyone involved in making this very exciting new investment happen.”

Lyn Spindley, director of Treat Marketing, said: “There is an incredible excitement the minute you enter Arena Torquay! 

“It has some great spaces for events of every kind, from live music to comedy and business events to community groups. It’s a fun space with an incredible interior design and audio/visual system that knocks your socks off.”

In an exclusive interview and upcoming podcast with Torbay Hospitality, Steve Garratt said:  “There was a gap in the market for a venue of this size in the area. We looked at other parts of South Devon, but it wasn’t easy to find the right place. Then we came across this iconic old building, full of history.

“Torbay has turned out to be a really good decision because of the investment going into the bay, all the different businesses and great existing venues. 

“We don’t want to take away from anybody – we want to add to what’s already on offer and maybe provide something a bit different.”