New Torquay rail station edges closer

Improvements to Torquay Harbour too

Torbay has moved one step closer to a new rail station at Edginswell and improvements to Torquay Harbour after the council agreed to submit plans to receive government grants for regeneration projects.

The plans are part of Town Deal for Torquay, a series of regeneration projects expected to be supported by £22 million in such grants.

This money will come from the Towns Fund, a £3.6 billion government pot of cash for ‘levelling up’ regions across the country.

If approved, some of the grant will go towards cultural events and a scheme aimed at helping unemployed people in Torquay overcome barriers to work.

The plans, agreed on by Torbay cabinet on Tuesday, will be put forward to the government over the next few days. The council hopes that work can begin in the autumn.

Edginswell station will be a two-platform station on the edge of Torquay, between Newton Road and Riviera Way on the line between Torquay and Exeter.

It is set to cost £13.1 million, with £3 million coming from the Towns Fund. The rest will come from government New Stations Fund,  106 contributions from developers, and council coffers, including Local Transport Capital Funds.

The harbour improvements are expected to cost £2.2 million and be wholly funded by the Towns Fund.  They should reduce traffic as well as improve access for walking and cycling. Wifi hotspots and new lighting are included too.

The employment and cultural projects, known as Cultural Landscapes, will include free events and festivals as well as training in the sectors of construction, and photonics and electronics.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Swithin Long said: “I am absolutely delighted that these three Torquay Town Deal business cases have been agreed by both the Town Deal Board and Torbay Council’s cabinet. I am looking forward to work starting which we are hoping will be in the autumn.”