Plans to demolish a former Debenhams site and replace it with a continental-style square have been unveiled in Torquay.
Public consultation has begun for the proposals that will see the empty building demolished and replaced with an intimate south facing square with elevated views of the Harbour.
The square, surrounded by new cafes, and restaurants would play host to a vibrant café culture, celebrate the character of the area, and create new town centre living opportunities.
The new modern building would provide space for up to five leisure retail units and 16 2-bedroom residential units over four floors.
Vince Flower, Chair of Torquay Town Board, said the proposals are part of the the Torquay's Town Investment Plan.
He said: "By maximising opportunities for town centre transformation, we can create new jobs, encourage business growth and attract new businesses to the area. We are determined to ensure that Torquay will achieve its economic potential by creating better spaces, with more people living and working there."
Torbay Council bought the site in 2020 as part of its plans to regenerate Torquay's town centre and help boost the local economy.
It is one of several regeneration projects planned for Torquay after £21.9million of Towns Funding was secured by Torbay Council in October 2020.
Prior to the final plans being drawn up, viability and feasibility studies were undertaken to explore both remodel and rebuild options and different uses for the site. Discussions with the community, key stakeholders and English Heritage were also crucial in informing the design process.
To celebrate the history of the Strand, more trees will be planted, and original iron work and Victorian styling from the canopies will influence the railings and balustrading in the new buildings.
The redevelopment would also complement and enhance wider harbour public realm works which are due to commence later in the spring.
Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said: "The Strand and harbourside in Torquay is one of the key locations in the town centre, and it is important that this area is seen as an attractive location. Town centres up and down the country are changing, this development allows for us to be progressive in our thinking to create an attractive place to visit, spend time, as well as live and invest."
The consultation opens today and closes at midnight on Thursday 5 May.
As part of the consultation process, members of the public are invited to a public exhibition event taking place between 2.30pm and 7.30pm on Thursday 28 April at the former small Debenhams shop on the Strand.
The proposals are available on the council's website, along with a link to the consultation questionnaire. www.torbay.gov.uk/the-strand-redevelopment
It is expected a planning application will be submitted from late May onwards, with a decision due in the autumn.
