Council to buy more Torquay town centre shops

Acquisitions key to town's transformation

Ambitious plans to redevelop the centre of Torquay could move a step closer next week.

Torbay Council’s cabinet is expected to rubber-stamp the first stage in the process towards buying remaining properties around the Union Square shopping complex in the centre of town.

The council has long believed that a fresh look – mixing homes, shops and restaurants – could breathe new life into the tired town centre.

As long ago as 2015 the council’s ‘masterplan’ called for radical changes, and in 2022 the local authority bought the shopping centre to add to its portfolio of properties.

However, some buildings fronting Union Street and Market Street are still in private hands, and negotiations are under way with the owners. Two properties – one a Costa Coffee and the other empty – have already been acquired.

A report for the cabinet meeting says every effort will be made to buy the remaining properties through negotiation, but compulsory purchase orders should be considered as a ‘backstop’.

The report goes on: “The area is subject to anti-social behaviour and falling property values in immediate and adjacent areas that have been recorded since 2008.

“Change is required to repurpose the land and buildings to provide a catalytic regeneration to the upper part of Torquay town centre.”

It also warns that not having compulsory purchase orders in place could mean the revamp of the area couldn’t go ahead.