Award-winning Torbay company reveals plans for former Torquay Living Coasts site

An award-winning Torbay company is set to become a world-leader from its new HQ -  the site of the former Living Coasts marine aviary overlooking the Torquay waterfront.

ARC marine has signed a long-term lease for a large part of the former Living Coasts attraction and has outlined its plans for a new, world-leading Marine Innovation Hub that will create jobs, drive economic opportunity across the UK, and help turn the tide in regenerating our oceans.

The leading engineering company specialises in reef restoration and sustainable marine infrastructure.

Their specially eco-engineered reef cubes, reef walls and reef mats are used in various undersea engineering projects. Not only do they protect structures but they also become home for marine life with some under-threat species now being sustained for the future and others being brought back to life.

Former South Devon College student Tom Birbeck, Founder & CEO of ARC marine, said: “This is an incredibly proud day for all those involved with ARC, the Torbay area, and our ocean.”

The Living Coasts deal marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of the Torbay Council-owned site which was leased by Paignton Zoo’s Wild Planet Trust owners who were forced to close it for financial reasons five years ago. 

It has remained an empty and expensive chain around their neck ever since and something of an eyesore.

ARC will become the anchor tenant and will spearhead a transformative project that will establish the facility as a national centre for marine-related business, focusing on innovation and sustainability.

A statement says: “The UK is uniquely positioned to lead the world in developing and deploying marine solutions that not only protect vital marine infrastructure but also enhance the marine environment. 

“Currently, the UK imports most of its marine protection solutions from around the globe, causing significant damage to marine life when it’s installed. 

“This situation also means that these projects aren’t benefiting the local communities and economies that host and fund them.” 

With a focus on nature inclusive design, being developed by ARC marine and accelerated at its new facility, they can help regenerate our oceans and create a thriving industry.

Under the new lease, ARC marine will repurpose the existing aquarium infrastructure into a state-of-the-art facility for reef restoration, hatchery development, and marine conservation R&D. 

The former tanks in the interior of the building and marine systems will be used to study commercially important species, helping to support sustainable fisheries and rebuild natural populations.  

The site will also host a bank of advanced 3D printing machines to help develop ARC’s nature-inclusive marine structures, a low-carbon materials laboratory, and a hydrodynamic testing centre featuring wave flumes to evaluate the resilience of offshore infrastructure, such as subsea protection around coastlines and offshore energy sites like offshore wind.

The site’s panoramic restaurant and café space will be transformed into a unique marine-themed private function venue, hosting sustainability conferences, renewable energy exhibitions, and events related to the UK’s growing water sports sector, including sailing and SCUBA diving.

The building's transformation will begin immediately, with a budget of over £500,000 for phase 1 that is supported by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership Programme who are focussed on accelerating the UK supply chain for offshore renewables in the UK.

The statement says: “ARC marine is collaborating closely with the Wild Planet Trust and Torbay Council to ensure the long-term success and development of the site. Together, they will explore additional partnerships and uses for parts of the site that are not currently occupied, with a feasibility and development strategy set to commence next year.”