Kevin Foster: 'Private investment is key to regeneration'

Investing In Our Bay

Castle Circus and Union Street are two parts of Torquay in need of transformation and regeneration, so I spoke with two people who see their potential and are investing their own money into them.

David Rowe, of Conroy Couch, is undertaking a major revamp of a shop on Union St. Whilst Keith Richardson, best known for the Grand Hotel, is currently converting a large building in Castle Circus into apartments, with plans to do the same to the Old Town Hall and former Magistrate’s Court. Both have been trading in the bay for many years, so know the challenges all too well, yet also see the opportunities. It was good to talk with them about their investment plans and what might attract others to do the same.

It is great to have secured major regeneration funding from the government, but getting more private sector businesses investing in our Town Centres is a vital part of delivering their longer-term revival.

Pavilion Revamp

News a deal had been reached to revamp the Pavilion was welcomed across our bay in December.

It was great to work with Cllrs Dave Thomas and Chris Lewis to get the deal over the line, with the Government potentially supplying up to £4m of funding to support the desperately needed revamp works, which are estimated to cost in the region of £10m. MDL will surrender its lease and Torbay Council will prepare a full programme for the refurbishment of the building, with the tantalising prospect of works starting later this year. 

After years of party-political point scoring and campaigns around the Pavilion, which brought little progress despite the media coverage generated, it was great to see progress finally being made with a serious plan to repair and re-open this iconic building.

Torbay Council’s Conservative Cabinet has backed the plan and is ready to deliver it. I know Torbay Weekly readers want to see progress and delivery, not opposition for opposition’s sake, therefore the Pavilion deal deserves support from all political parties on Torbay Council.

Mesh

The Patient Safety Commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, has published her report into financial redress options for women harmed by mesh and sodium valproate.

I have been working on behalf of several constituents who were affected by this issue, with some literally having normal life taken away, including the ability to pursue a career, due to being in constant pain. The report includes several recommendations, including that payments should start in 2025.

Following the publication of this report, I have written to the relevant minister urging the Government to quickly respond to the recommendations and give a positive outcome to the women affected.

Surgery Times

My next surgeries are on: Saturday 2nd March 10am till 12Noon at St Martin’s Church, Barton Hill Road, Torquay, TQ2 8JA and Friday 8th March 11am till 1pm at Torquay Library, Lymington Road, Torquay TQ1 3DT.

Surgeries are for personal queries from residents they would like me to help them with. For an appointment you can either email me at kevin@kevinjfoster.com or leave a message on 01803 214989. There are also drop-in sessions at my office 5-7 East St, Torquay, TQ2 5SD between 10am & 1pm Monday to Friday where a member of my team will be available to help with any queries.