Work underway to 'improve the welcome to Torquay'

Demolition work is underway, as part of plans to improve Lymington Road coach station in Torquay

An artist's impression of the new units
Author: Andrew KayPublished 26th Jul 2022
Last updated 27th Jul 2022

Work to transform Torquay coach station is underway - creating new jobs and offering a better 'welcome' as visitors arrive in Torbay.

Empty buildings on the site of the Lymington Road Coach Station , including the former cafe, are being transformed and the former CCTV unit will be knocked down and replaced.

Demolition work of the existing buildings got underway this week.

The plans include five new business units being built and then let - with improvements also being made to the public space area.

The planned new facilities include improved public realm designs, a new international coach bay, shelters providing weather protection for waiting passengers, wayfaring information, a new and improved disabled toilet and enhanced lighting throughout the car park.

In December 2020 we spoke about the plans with cabinet member Swithin Long

A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "The current buildings which have been vacant since summer 2019 not only offer poor customer facilities for visitors but are prone to vandalism and anti-social behaviour.

"In December 2020, Cabinet allocated ÂŁ850,000 to the redevelopment but owing to a desire to see wider improvements and feedback from community engagement, the scope of the project is now larger than originally planned.

"Cabinet has increased the contribution to the project to ÂŁ1.36m, funded through the Growth Fund. The increased contribution reflects rising costs and the provision of additional facilities since the original funding decision was made almost a year ago.

"The project not only has the potential to provide space for local businesses it may also attract new small businesses to Torbay but will create local jobs and generate around ÂŁ2.5m a year to the local economy."

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