Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to share their views on major proposals that could shape the future of Brixham’s working harbour for generations.

We secured £20 million in Government Levelling Up Funding to boost local employment and drive long-term economic growth, with almost half of this investment—£9.791 million—dedicated to expanding fish market operations at Oxen Cove.

This investment comes at a crucial moment for Brixham. The town’s fish market is already the most valuable in the UK, landing and selling around £77 million worth of fish in 2025. Its success supports hundreds of jobs and underpins a vibrant network of processors, logistics operators, suppliers and local businesses. But the market has reached full capacity, and without new facilities Brixham risks losing its competitive edge in a rapidly evolving national industry.

The proposed expansion would create 2,900m² of new waterside space in the form of five purpose-built industrial units, enabling the harbour to operate more efficiently and meet growing demand. This would generate around 40 new fishing-related jobs and deliver more than £11 million in additional annual economic value. With improved processing capacity, the value of landed fish could rise by as much as £20 million per year within five years, strengthening the local economy far beyond the quayside and supporting retailers, hospitality, apprenticeships and long-term employment.

Oxen Cove has been identified as the most suitable location for this investment. The site sits immediately beside existing fish market operations and is already partly used for fishing-related activity. Both the Brixham Town Centre Masterplan and the Neighbourhood Plan support new facilities in this area, recognising the importance of safeguarding Brixham’s 600‑year fishing heritage while preparing the harbour for a strong financial future.

We are carrying out full technical assessments to ensure that heritage, flood risk, transport, noise and odour impacts are properly managed. The outcomes of these assessments will be submitted with the planning application.

Work is also underway to maintain parking provision, which includes exploring park and ride options on the outskirts of Brixham and supporting current occupants with appropriate short and long-term relocation plans. The South West Coast Path will be protected and, where possible, enhanced as part of the proposals.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said; “This is a transformational opportunity for Brixham. Our fishing industry is the backbone of the local economy, and this investment will secure its strength and competitiveness for decades to come. By expanding the market and creating new space for growth, we are not only safeguarding our heritage but building a stronger financial future for the whole community. I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation, explore the proposals and help shape a project that will support a thriving harbour and a resilient local economy for future generations.”

Community engagement is central to the process. A public consultation will run from Monday 16 March to Wednesday 8 April 2026, giving everyone the chance to help shape the future of Brixham Harbour. Feedback can be shared online or at a drop‑in event on Saturday 21 March. All responses will be carefully reviewed before a planning application is submitted later in the summer, with a decision anticipated in the autumn / winter. If planning approval is granted, the project is scheduled for delivery in 2027.

Drop-in event details

• Saturday 21 March
• 10am to 2pm
• Scala Hall, Brixham

View and comment on proposals online

The consultation website sets out the plans in full, and completing the questionnaire is a simple but important way to make sure local voices help shape this major investment. Whether you live, work or spend time in Brixham, your feedback will play a vital role in guiding the next steps. View and comment on the proposals.