Torbay mayor includes Princess Theatre in harbour future

30th July 2010

Developers have been given a ‘vote of confidence’ by Torbay’s mayor Nick Bye to push forward with plans to transform Torquay’s ailing waterfront. At a council cabinet meeting he agreed to support investigations on new leases at Princess Theatre, gardens, parade, Marina car park and the Pavilion, all along Torquay harbourside.

Authority to agree the leases on the land will be handed over to chief officers and deputy mayor Chris Lewis, and a project board will be set up to deal with the major redevelopment scheme. The idea is to regenerate the area in line with council dreams and overcome huge repair bills. The approach is intended to open the door to private sector investment and encourage planning applications for redevelopment to boost tourism and safeguard sea defences.

Regeneration councillor Chris Lewis said: “It is exciting that someone is prepared to put in investment in a four-star hotel, apartments, shops and cafe making this a real cultural area, and expand the theatre. To take the next step would be to go to planning and that will cost about £500,000 and the developers need to know in principle that a lease is available.”

He said to Mr Bye: “They are looking to you to give guidance, and indication, that you are in agreement with a lease.”

Community councillor Dave Butt said: “I am excited at the thought we may be able to secure our sea defences, and with this investment we could see that happening.”

Cllr Steve Darling, leader of the Lib Dems on the council, said although there were some positive elements to the proposals they needed some balance and said he had no confidence repairs would be achieved.

“It is not just a toe in the water it is saying goodbye to democracy on this apart from the planning process,” he said.

He said no-one could say if it was a fair deal as there were no details.

Cllr Michael Hytche said there was an opportunity for the Bay as home tourism started to grow again but added: “If we think in terms of killing tourism virtually by developing the only road through the town then that smacks of an own goal.”

He said previous developments in the area had been dogged by foundation flooding issues and feared it could happen again.

Torbay Development Agency chief executive Steve Parrock said he felt uncomfortable but added: “Realistically we are getting a developer who is prepared to spend several hundreds of thousands of pounds and who is looking to have the confidence to develop and speculate with that money.

“Primary control will be through the planning process as the developer cannot do anything without planning permission. I would put a question, ‘If not this then what?’”

Cllr Lewis said the council cannot continue to look back and added: “It is the time to take this difficult decision and go ahead.”

He acknowledged there would be disruption but said the work needed to be done.

Mr Bye said the area was in a sad state and needed millions in repairs the council was not going to find, while tourism was weak apart from a few weeks of the year.

“It is one of the most picturesque waterfronts in Europe and we need to extend the life and vibrancy of Torwood Street towards the Princess Theatre and that is what I want to see,” said Mr Bye.

He said it was not possible to rely on past glories or see things fade.

“We desperately need to welcome this investment to regenerate and move the place forward,” he added. “We want to give the developer the confidence to go ahead and come back with plans. This is the flagship of the Mayor’s Vision.”

Source: Herald Express