Streets & Public Spaces

The Torbay Community Plan (April 2004) sets out a vision for the future of Torbay to be 'A healthy, prosperous community, living, learning and relaxing in a safe and beautiful bay.'

The quality of our streets and public spaces is vital to the realisation of this vision.  The street is where we live our daily lives, interact with other members of the community, and forms an important part of the impression we give to visitors to the bay.

Historically a piecemeal approach has been taken to the improvement of Torbay's streets, resulting in spaces that are dominated by cars, cluttered with inappropriate street furniture and signage, and poorly maintained.

Torbay Council has identified the need for a strategic approach to the Bay's streets to improve their quality and create a more attractive environment for residents and visitors to Torbay.  A high quality public realm can help to stimulate economic investment, deter criminal and anti-social behaviour and generate civic pride.

The Torbay Streetscape Guidelines set out the design principles that need to be considered when designing and implementing streetscape works, and provide an outline schedule of suitable materials appropriate for use in each area of Torbay.

Streetscape is the natural and built fabric of the street.  It is ‘the design quality of the street and its visual effect, particularly how the paved area (carriageway and footway) is laid out and treated.’ It includes buildings, the street surface, and also the fixtures and fittings that facilitate its use – such as bus shelters, signage and planting.

This document is intended for use by Council Officers, Developers and Individuals who are involved in the design, construction and maintenance of Torbay's streets.

The Guidelines (Full and Summary Versions) are available below.

Related Documents

Streetscape Guidelines 2004 - 2007

Streetscape Guidelines Summary 2004 - 2007

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