Town's blueprint responses reveal desire for regeneration
ALMOST 300 people have had their say on the blueprint for Torquay for the next 20 years.
That was nearly three times the number who responded to the wider Torbay plan. Concerns have been raised that the vast majority of those who responded were over 45.
But between those who did respond they made thousands of comments on the different proposals for the town.
Most felt regenerating the town centre should be more of a priority than the Newton Road 'gateway'.
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There was a strong feeling regeneration of the town centre was vital to the future of the whole of Torquay. Other areas they felt the plan should concentrate on included the seafront, Beacon Cove, Cary Green, the Palm Court, and the Riviera International Conference Centre.
On the town centre, respondents said it was too spread out and should be consolidated in a smaller area, and any development should be of a high standard and care needs to be taken of open spaces.
On transport, respondents said the traffic flows through the town need looking at, the entrance to the town is 'abysmal' and more pedestrianisation is needed.
On Fleet Street, residents were torn between making it fully one way, banning buses, fully pedestrianising it and opening it up to all traffic.
On the town hall supermarket project, 55 per cent said yes, and 38 per cent objected.
On plans for a major retail redevelopment of the area between Union Street and Temperance Street, 84 per cent were in favour.
A similar percentage supported development at the Rock Road laundry, Pimlico, Swan Street. There was support from 74 per cent for redevelopment of some properties on The Strand, and 68 per cent for redevelopment of the Cary Park Arcade.
On Torquay Pavilion and the marina car park hotel development, 66 per cent were in support, though comments included concerns about high-rise development in this area, the need to ensure any new buildings are in keeping with and sensitive to the existing architecture. There was 78 per cent support for work to improve area around the Princess Theatre, but not including development on Princess Gardens.
Among the ideas were finding a new use for the GPO roundabout area, the need for a modern cinema, more accommodation in the town centre for young people and reducing the number of shops in Abbey Road.
Other comments included that the plan must reduce the reliance on tourism, that any future development should take into consideration renewable energy and green employment, the need for better provision for cyclists, need for a better swimming pool/leisure facilities.
THE next forum meeting will be on Monday, March 4, 6.30pm to 8.30pm in the Grace Murrell suite at the Riviera International Conference Centre.
On the agenda are issues including lack of support from councillors.
2 Comments
by RivieraPalms
Friday, March 01 2013, 7:10PM
“the need to ensure any new buildings are in keeping with and sensitive to the existing architecture.
I won't expect anything new then. I always thought the the Riviera was the perfect place to construct buildings that are in themselves works of art. Many cities in Southern Europe especially Spain have taken that route and its worked out very well for them. Instead of buying the palm maybe the mayor should have erected a giant sign at the gateway warning people as they enter the bay not to dare bring anything new here.
Its very sad that seemingly well intentioned people are so dull and the lack of creativity is disturbing.
If I have to remain singular on the matter I will still maintain that the English Riviera should continue along the lines of what the Victorians did and move towards a more Mediterranean style of architecture, not only because of its beauty but because it never becomes dated.”
by stevetims2
Thursday, February 28 2013, 9:27AM
“300 people turned out out of Torbays population. LOL!! What does that tell you? That people are passed caring about torbay because it is a **** hole”