Torbay Economic Regeneration Framework

Towards Torbay’s New Economy – Economic Regeneration Strategy

Torbay’s regeneration strategy sets out our vision - driving forward Torbay’s economic prosperity. The strategy has been prepared and developed by Torbay Council’s regeneration arm, the Torbay Development Agency, in consultation with local businesses, residents and partners.

Our strategy sets out a clear way forward by building on the Bay’s strengths to improve economic prosperity, give us prosperous communities with a higher quality of life and improved access to jobs.

The Torbay setting

Torbay has an outstanding environment, including 22 miles of coastline. The three major towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham are all located on the coast and the local economy has historically focused on tourism, fishing and some manufacturing activities, supported by retail and public sector activities. Torbay has a population of around 131,000 but its summertime resident population swells to well over 200,000 for the peak summer weeks.

Among the issues that Torbay faces are low wage rates, seasonality of employment, pockets of acute deprivation, some skills gaps and relatively high levels of economic inactivity.

Vision

To address the issues facing our economy the strategy sets out a path for the sustainable development of the Torbay economy by 2016 which will:

• allow existing businesses to adapt and prosper whilst encouraging diversification to meet new opportunities
• equip businesses with the necessary support to enable them to be more innovative, whilst creating an educated and skilled workforce.
• ensure that all members of the Torbay community contribute to and share in the benefits of economic change.

Framework for action

The strategy identifies six themes to drive forward activities and programmes which are

• Theme One: Repositioning the Visitor Offer and the Leisure Economy
• Theme Two: Increasing Value and Improving Economic Performance of Key Sectors
• Theme Three: Encourage Appropriate Diversification of the Economic Base
• Theme Four: Business and Infrastructure Support for Economic Growth
• Theme Five: Develop Skills and Learning Opportunities
• Theme Six: Community Support for a Higher Quality of Life

The strategy and it’s evidence base will be available for download shortly.

Related Documents

Economic Framework - Strategy

Economic Framework - Executive Summary

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