The Strand

Updated 10 July 2026

The Strand sits at the heart of Torquay’s harbourside and plays a vital role in the town’s economy, visitor offer and identity. Working with our regeneration partners, Willmott Dixon and Milligan, we are bringing forward plans to transform this important area and create a vibrant destination that can be enjoyed by residents throughout the year.

The proposals build on wider investment across Torquay town centre and waterfront, helping to strengthen the local economy, attract investment, support jobs and create a more attractive harbourside environment.

The proposals

The emerging plans focus on creating a high-quality mixed-use development that complements the recently improved public realm around the harbour.

The proposals include:

• A new high-end hotel that will help attract visitors to Torquay throughout the year.
• New commercial opportunities that support the local economy, celebrate the best of Devon and bring activity to the area.
• Improvements to the appearance and vitality of The Strand.
• Development that complements the wider regeneration of Torquay town centre and waterfront.
• Investment that creates jobs, supports local businesses and encourages further private sector investment.

Along the design development, work is continuing behind the scenes to secure the funding required to deliver the scheme and to identity an operator for the proposed hotel.

To deliver this project, we need to acquire property in the area. While we have already acquired some properties, there are still some that we need to acquire. We are negotiating with the owners of these properties. Our preference is to reach an agreement with the owners, if necessary, we may use compulsory purchase powers.

Full Council approval to use Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) powers if needed

Read more about the CPO process.

We have a Business Charter that sets out our commitment to businesses that may be affected by the proposed redevelopment of parts of The strand and The Terrace, Torquay.

Consultation and engagement

We are committed to ensuring local residents, businesses and stakeholders can help shape the future of The Strand.

During summer 2025, we carried out a public consultation on the latest proposals, providing opportunities for people to view the plans, meeting the project team and share feedback online and in person.

The feedback received is being used to inform the final design.

We will continue to keep local businesses, residents and stakeholders updated as the project progresses.

Next steps

A planning application has been submitted.

We hope to receive a decision on the application in the autumn.

No demolition or construction work will take place until the necessary permissions, funding and delivery arrangements are in place.

Related news

Torbay residents and businesses invited to view and comment on exciting plans for Torquay’s harbourside

Torbay’s regeneration partnership reveals plans that will redefine Torquay’s harbourside