Brixham town centre and harbour regeneration plans announced

Torbay Council has published the Brixham Town Centre Place Vision, a strategic document designed to attract investment, funding and development opportunities into the town.

The vision has been developed over the past year by Torbay Council in partnership with regeneration partners Willmott Dixon and Milligan, working alongside stakeholders including Brixham Town Council. It draws on existing planning frameworks such as the Brixham Neighbourhood Plan, adopted in 2019, and will be reviewed and updated annually.

The document sets out an ambition to position Brixham as a vibrant coastal community that builds on its historic fishing heritage while supporting modern living, businesses and tourism. It is intended to act as a marketing and investment tool, giving confidence to investors and partners that the town has a clear and deliverable plan for regeneration.

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Proposals outlined in the vision include improving pedestrian links between Brixham Central car park and the harbour, transforming South Quay car park into a more pedestrian-friendly space with seating, family areas, street food and waterfront activities, and creating stronger connections between the harbour, New Pier and the Fish Market, potentially through a new pedestrian bridge.

Plans also include upgrading Brixham Central car park and the Town Square bus shelter to create a more welcoming gateway into the town, revitalising the western end of Fore Street to reduce vacant units and boost retail activity, and enhancing public realm and green spaces to support sustainable growth.

Cllr Chris Lewis, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Place Development and Economic Growth at Torbay Council, said:“This vision is about recognising and unlocking Brixham’s full potential. By setting out a clear and compelling framework for investment, we aim to give confidence to partners and investors that Torbay has a deliverable plan - one that will bring real benefits to the whole community.”

Stuart Harris, chief executive of Milligan, said:“The time and care invested in developing this vision ensures it is a robust, strategic plan that leverages Brixham’s unique strengths while preserving its distinctive identity - creating confidence for investors and partners that this is a place with a clear direction and real growth potential.”

Chris Wheeler, Regional Head of Land Development at Willmott Dixon, said:“This vision lays the foundations for sustainable growth in Brixham - creating opportunities not just for regeneration, but for wider economic benefits such as increased employment and business development. It provides a clear roadmap for investment that will deliver long-term value for the town and its community.”

Brixham is the latest town to benefit from a place-shaping vision, following the adoption of the Torquay Vision in July and the Paignton Vision in November. The work has been made possible through funding awarded to the council by One Public Estate, under the ‘Transforming Torbay’ programme.

Torbay Council says its successful funding bids since 2019, including Future High Streets Funding, Town Deal and Levelling Up funding, have created the need for a joined-up strategy linking investment, development sites and long-term ambitions across the Bay.

Before any significant changes are made, the council says the community will have opportunities to provide feedback through the formal planning process.

Cabinet will be asked to formally adopt the Brixham Town Centre Place Vision at its meeting on Tuesday 16 December. The meeting will be livestreamed on the council’s YouTube channel. The full vision document and reports are available to view on the council’s website.