Jim Parker: Just the beginning for new tenants of 'Beacon' Living Coasts site overlooking Torquay waterfront

The deal which will see a company lead the world from its new base in Torquay is big, but it could be even bigger.
Once of Brixham, ARC marine has now signed a long-term lease for the former Living Coasts marine aviary attraction overlooking the Torquay waterfront.
It will be transformed into a new, world-leading marine innovation hub that will retain and create jobs and help regenerate marine life with some species brought back from the edge of extinction.
Ironic in some ways when you consider that animal conservation is a top priority for Paignton Zoo and the Wild Planet Trust who held the Torbay Council lease on the prime site and have tried to rid themselves of its financial burden ever since they closed it five years ago.

Living Coasts - the net will come down

ARC have made their name nationally and now globally for their work within nature inclusive design. These are no ordinary cubes, they are eco-engineered reef cubes, reef walls and reef mats which not only protect marine industry structures like the foundations of wind turbines but also become home for all kinds of marine life.
ARC have taken on the tenancy of the sad-looking Living Coasts site and will convert buildings and underwater tanks which once attracted thousands of locals and holidaymakers into a national centre for marine-related business.
It all sounds genuinely exciting with the old aquarium infrastructure being turned into a state-of-the-art facility for reef restoration, hydrodynamic modelling, 3D printing, hatchery development, and marine conservation R&D. And what were once tanks will be used to study commercially important species, helping to support sustainable fisheries and rebuild natural populations.
We mustn’t forget the former Living Coasts restaurant which must have some of the most idyllic views in the entire UK. That will become a unique marine-themed private function venue, hosting sustainability conferences, renewable energy exhibitions, and events related to the UK’s growing water sports sector.
And that’s where it gets even more interesting…
Tom Birbeck revealed they had been interested in the Living Coast site ever since it was closed by Wild Planet Trust five years ago. Actual and serious negotiations have been taking place for the past 18 months.
Tom says: “We have now started on site. We should be operational in the New Year. The first phase is costing £500,000 and we have secured some grant funding for that. We will take a look at the rest of it after phase one is complete.” Future investment could run into millions of pounds.
Assessing and sorting underwater installations will be a big part of the first phase but one of Tom’s biggest focuses after that will be making sure they can take in work placements from local schools and apprentices. Educational visits will be further down the line.
The company employs 20 people plus contractors at the moment. That figure should double in 12 months’ time. Importantly, they will be high-end jobs aimed at retaining local talent as opposed to seeing our most talented young people having to leave the Bay to look for more well-paid jobs — something the council and business community have been fighting against for years.
Tom says: “It’s jobs like science engineering, project management and sales and marketing, trying to diversify from hospitality and construction.”
He added: “We are launching a national centre of excellence for marine conservation and sustainable blue economy innovation. For a long time, the UK has desperately needed a facility to test nature-based solutions and marine related technologies in a controlled environment and I’m so happy to do this in Torbay with its close connection and history with the marine environment.”
Stephen Kings, interim chief executive for the Wild Planet Trust, said: “We are delighted that Wild Planet Trust, Torbay Council and ARC marine have concluded an agreement for ARC to become the new tenant of a significant part of the Living Coasts site. This is an exciting and forward-thinking development for Torbay as a whole. ARC marine is an outstanding local company that fits perfectly with Wild Planet Trust’s conservation mission, and we very much look forward to working with them in the future.”
Tom Piper, project manager of the Offshore Wind Partnership, said: “OWGP are proud to support ARC marine’s redevelopment of the former Living Coasts site in Torquay through our Manufacturing Facility Support Programme.
“The programme provides funding to unlock investments in UK manufacturing facilities that support the growth of the offshore wind sector.”
And Torbay Council deputy leader and regeneration portfolio holder Chris Lewis added: “ARC marine is the perfect tenant to take over most of the existing building on the former Living Coasts site.
“Their innovative work demonstrates to national and international audiences that Torbay is the ultimate destination for businesses engaged in globally important work.
“By utilising areas of the site, ARC marine can grow local talent and attract new visitors to the Bay, benefitting the wider local economy.”
Back to water sports. There was a slight hint that the future could see the part of the Living Coasts site not directly tied in with the new ARC development deal being used for some kind of water sports activity.
We are talking about the land that was once used by the marine aviary’s penguins and otters with access to Beacon Cove so it would be an ideal fit and partnership with somebody or some organisation linked to the water.
The ‘blue economy’ is a last being recognised for its powerful economic potential. A Torbay Water Sports Forum, only formed a year or so ago, is trying to bring water sports clubs together for the first time and with one voice.
From the forum there are very early-stage aspirations for a water sports hub in a disused former crab factory over at Paignton harbour being led by the Paignton Sailing Club.
It was interesting to see that plan take a step forward as Paignton’s sailors and anglers launch a new joint venture. Paignton Anglers Association sold their clubhouse in Cliff Road last year after 40 years and have been looking for a new base.
But rather than rush to purchase a new clubhouse, the association has decided that it’s best to partner with an existing organisation with its own roots by the harbour where combined membership and activities will strengthen both organisations. So the anglers have become affiliated to Paignton Sailing Club with the opportunity to use its excellent facilities.
Office space has been created, as well as a weigh-in station, which for competitions can be held outside on the harbourside. PAA members are now affiliated to the sailing club so will be able to use the bar with its views over the harbour.
Chairman Steve Holgate said: “Our old clubhouse was just too big and underused and sat empty most of the time.
“Paignton sailors use their clubhouse mainly between April and September, and by the Sea Cadets during the summer months, but are quiet at other times of the year. By moving in with the sailing club we maximise use of that building and share some costs.
“It’s a lovely clubhouse and we hope to share our hobbies. We can hold joint social events and broaden membership for both organisations. Everyone wants to see the harbour busy and we will now be part of that.”
Those interested in joining Paignton Anglers Association can come down to Paignton Sailing Club any Friday evening in November between 7.30pm and 9pm.
Tom Birbeck emphasised it was early days but there just might be the possibility of further ‘collaboration’ going forward at Living Coasts. Whether that could involve sailing, rowing, paddle-boarding or all three is anybody’s guess but it won’t go unnoticed that the Royal Torbay Yacht Club has its HQ just a pebble’s throw away.
What about a new name for the site?
Tom reveals: “We did some digging mainly through speaking to family and locals, also with the heritage department at Torbay council and in the 1700s the site was called The Beacon and had lights on it to aid navigation, I believe.
“This is likely (subject to consent) be the name we will revert back to as a slight nod to the history and hopefully a beacon for marine recovery. 300 years later The Beacon returns!”
By the way, and one thing is for sure, the eyesore marina aviary net is a goner.
“We have had lots of people ask ‘when is that horrible net coming gown?’ Hopefully by the end of the winter,” says Tom.