Torbay in Devon has been given £20m as part of the government’s Levelling Up Partnerships in an attempt to “turbo-charge” regeneration in the area.
The funds, which will be spent across Torquay, Paignton and Brixham, include £8m to fund the first phase of the refurbishment of the Grade II listed Oldway Mansion, in a bid to turn it into a major tourist attraction, £3.2m to convert disused holiday accommodation into permanent homes, and £500,000 to transform vacant buildings into cultural and creative spaces.
Levelling up minister Jacob Young said: “Torbay is at the heart of our levelling up agenda. The investment will provide a major levelling up boost to the area, including by providing more homes for local people, helping bring the historic Oldway Mansion back to its former glory, and delivering the brighter bay residents deserve.”
David Thomas, leader of Torbay Council, added: “Here in Torbay we are at the beginning of a once-in-a-generation transformation journey. Our focus is on making the most of our marine and natural environment alongside the heritage that has shaped the English Riviera. We will be doing this through regeneration, delivering meaningful improvements, benefiting those who live, work and visit the bay.”
The funding builds on more than £75m of investment in the area, including £20m from the Levelling Up Fund, £20m through the Long-Term Plan for Towns and a £20m Town Deal. Other funding includes more than £13m through the Future High Streets Fund and around £2m from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The area is also set to benefit from a devolution deal signed with Devon County Council and Torbay Council earlier this year to create a combined county authority.
Levelling Up Partnerships, first announced in the 2023 Spring Budget, are bespoke regeneration programmes targeted in areas that have too often been ignored.
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