To receive apologies for absence, including notifications of any changes to the membership of the Board.

Apologies for absence were received from Anne-Marie Bond, Kirsty Brodest, Caroline Cozens, Carolyn Custerson, Jess Gane, Glenn George and Hannah Worth.

To confirm as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Board held on  15 June 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Torquay Place Leadership Board held on 15 June 2026 were confirmed as a correct record.

a)       To receive declarations of non pecuniary interests in respect of items on this agenda

For reference:  Having declared their non pecuniary interest members may remain in the meeting and speak and, vote on the matter in question.  A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

b)       To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary interests in respect of items on this agenda

For reference:  Where a Member has a disclosable pecuniary interest he/she must leave the meeting during consideration of the item.  However, the Member may remain in the meeting to make representations, answer questions or give evidence if the public have a right to do so, but having done so the Member must then immediately leave the meeting, may not vote and must not improperly seek to influence the outcome of the matter.  A completed disclosure of interests form should be returned to the Clerk before the conclusion of the meeting.

Where the interest is for issues relating to prioritisation of topics, approval of a prioritisation matrix and where approval of Grant Funding is being discussed, the Monitoring Officer has granted a dispensation to Board Members to remain in meetings of the Torquay Place Leadership Board and take part in discussions but not to vote on any application made by themselves or their organisation.

(Please Note:  If Members and Officers wish to seek advice on any potential interests they may have, they should contact Governance Support or Legal Services prior to the meeting.)

In line with the Place Leadership Boards Governance arrangements, interests were declared by individuals as projects were discussed, and those Members were permitted to discuss the project in question, but not to vote on its funding bid. 

Tracey Cabache expressed an interest in all projects, as Director of Torbay Communities, and refrained from voting.

to discuss the funding applications for the following projects:

1. Business-Led Town Centre Improvements

2. Children’s Society Wellbeing Hub

3. South Devon Creative and Cultural Incubation Space (formerly Hidden High Street Creative Space)

4. Torbay Creative Exchange

5. Transforming play spaces

Business-Led Town Centre Improvements

Interest declared: Alison Hernandez, as a previous funding contributor to this project's development.

The Board considered the application for Business-Led Town Centre Improvements, noting the proposed community engagement arrangements, and were advised that three different Town Centre Partnership Groups would be involved in project development and decision-making. It was noted that the approach sought to encourage community ownership whilst ensuring projects reflected local needs.

Discussion took place regarding the geographical focus of the project. The applicant advised that while priority areas had yet to be determined, the Board would have the opportunity to influence future priorities.

Members highlighted the importance of securing dedicated capacity to coordinate activity within the town centre, and explained that a significant proportion of this funding would be used to employ a Town Centre Manager. The Board heard that the proposed role would support businesses, improve coordination between organisations and help identify and secure external funding opportunities. Members discussed the potential overlap between this and a similar role being recruited at Torbay Council. The applicant explained that the proposed position would focus on strategic town centre development, whereas existing arrangements operated across a wider Torbay remit.

Members reflected on previous investments in the town centre and the need for longer-term, sustainable improvements. It was noted that improving collaboration between businesses was a key objective and that a coordinated approach was required to address systemic issues affecting the town centre.

The Board noted that the project had ranked highly within the assessment process and aligned strongly with the priority of delivering visible improvements within Torquay Town Centre. The Board recognised that a long-term commitment was required to provide the certainty necessary to recruit and retain the proposed post.

Resolved: that £187,000 be approved to support a programme of short to medium-term improvements to Torquay Town Centre, allocated across two years (£93,500 Capital and £83,611 Revenue funding in each year), comprising £46,750 Capital and £41,805.50 Revenue funding in Year 1 and £46,750 Capital and £41,805.50 Revenue funding in Year 2.

Children's Society Wellbeing Hub

Interest declared: Callum Elliot (Sound Communities), as part of the group applying for funding.

The Board considered the revised proposal for the Children's Society Wellbeing Hub. Members noted that the proposal had been amended following identification of a town centre property and that the overall funding request had reduced.

Discussion focused on the project's future sustainability, particularly the revenue funding requirements within the business plan. The Board was advised that further external funding opportunities were being explored and that the request would effectively provide an underwriting mechanism during the establishment period.

The applicant explained that the projected reduction in funding requirements towards the end of the programme reflected an expectation that alternative income sources and rental income would support long-term sustainability. The Board also noted the wider work being undertaken by Sound Communities to support young people in developing sustainable business ventures.

Resolved: that, subject to receipt and approval of the Business Case through the Quality Assurance Framework, the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 31.