Thirty projects in pitch for £20m Torquay government handout

Thirty projects to improve life in Torquay are being put forward for shortlisting as bids are drawn up for shares of a £20million government funding pot.
More than 60 projects were submitted when the Torquay Place Leadership Board appealed for bright ideas – far too many for the funds available – so now a shortlist of top projects is being recommended.

They vary from town centre improvements to a major public arts festival.
The board pledged ‘power to the people’ when it first met to discuss what to do with the ‘Pride In Place’ cash, and chair Jim Parker told members: “This is all about giving decision-making back to the community.”
A total of 63 projects were submitted, and the board is being asked to agree on the shortlist when it meets next week. It will have the final say.

Its task is to create a 10-year strategy for spending the money, with the emphasis on schemes to make life better, healthier and happier for residents.
Torquay was the only town in the south west to qualify for the money, due largely to its deprivation, crime rates, economic inactivity and low-income jobs among other factors. But Paignton has now been earmarked for a similar £20million 'Pride in Place' boost although confirmation and details are yet to be confirmed.

A report to next week’s meeting says: “Every one of the project proposals we have received has merit and it is a testament to our community that this number of ideas, and this level of innovation, has come forward in such a short space of time.
“It is not, however, possible to fund all of these projects from this pot of money.”
Among the eye-catching proposals is a ‘Festival of Torquay 2027’ which will cost up to £200,000 to stage.
If funding is secured, it will be a major public arts event marking 75 years since the Festival of Britain. It will explore themes such as botany, industry, craft, leisure, design, architecture, and geology, using the seafront, harbour, town centre and surrounding areas for large-scale sculptures and exhibitions highlighting local and nationally-renowned artists.
The festival will support local makers and employ local producers and technicians.
The pitch says: “The aim is to create a bold new cultural narrative for Torquay, boost civic pride, and attract hundreds of thousands of residents and tourists.
“The project will also support local employment and provide free access to most events, ensuring inclusivity.”
Some of the 30 projects short-listed will be invited to collaborate to avoid doubling up.
The projects under the heading ‘Physically improving our town centre (including crime) are: Business-Led Town Centre Improvements; Connecting Places – Public Realm Activation and Strand Redevelopment.
Collaboration will be explored between a Royal Lyceum Theatre Revitalisation; Homeless Hostel; Community Health and Harm-Reduction Hub; St Mary Magdalene Church Community Provision; Town Centre Drop-In for Disabled and Vulnerable People and a Support and Wellbeing Hub.
There could also be collaborations between Hidden High Street Creative Space; Capacity Building Using Heritage Assets; Festival of Torquay 2027 and Higher Union Street Regeneration.
Under the heading ‘Physically improving our neighbourhoods (including crime and affordable housing)’ there could be collaboration between Ellacombe Community Multi-Use Facility; Melville Community Hub; Barton Downs & Acorn Centre Reinvention; Barton Recreation Ground Community Hub; Windmill Centre and Windmill Hill; Hele Village Community Clean-Up; Development of Upton Park; Community Info Bus; Sponsor a Path; Transforming play spaces; Steps Cross Redevelopment; Home downsizing – freeing up family homes and Support to access affordable housing.
Work and skills projects are Continuation of Focus Forward – Mentoring Initiative; Children’s Society Wellbeing Hub; Creative and Cultural Space for Young People; Torbay Creative Exchange.
The report goes on: “Not all of these projects will be able to be funded but they have been selected as they closely match the priorities identified by the public.
“They are deliverable in the four-year period and will have a demonstrable impact on the town.”