The renovation of Torquay Town Dock, also known as the ‘people’s pontoon’, would see urgent and essential pontoon replacement works carried out over a three-year period, beginning this winter.

The Town Dock at Torquay harbour was installed in 2007 and was built to accommodate 175 berths for vessels ranging from six metres to 13 metres in length.

Now at 14 years old, the structure is exhibiting signs of deterioration and some pontoons are starting to lose their structural integrity. 

The Harbour Committee’s recommendation to the Council and tomorrow’s Cabinet meeting is that the Council approve borrowing for up to £1.2m to make the necessary infrastructure and safety improvements, which will see the replacement of all the floating pontoon sections for the entire Town Dock.

The Harbour budget will need to meet the additional borrowing costs – expected to be in the region of £34,000 a year.

If approved, the works will take place during the October to March winter period with the first phase seeing the repair and refurbishment of the existing wave-screen and access bridge.

Phase two would take place next winter (2022-23) and would see the entire replacement of one of the three pontoon legs and associated fingers.

A leg will then be replaced each winter until the works are completed.

The Town Dock has disabled access and is home to vessels owned by the Disabled Sailing Association, Torbay British Sub Aqua Club, and the Royal Torbay Yacht Club. The local Sea Scouts and Rowing Club also use the dock to berth their safety boats.

The Dock will remain operational and open to customers during the various phases of the project.

A meeting of the full Council on 30 September will make the final decision.

Councillor Nicole Amil, Harbour Committee Chairman, said: “This investment is great news for Torquay Town Dock, which is viewed by many as a ‘people’s pontoon’.

“It is a popular and busy dock among locals and visitors alike and making these essential improvements will ensure it continues to be an attractive and thriving pontoon for years to come.”