Jim Parker: Happy New Year and what a year it promises to be for our Bay and that's not just me saying it

Happy New Year to you all. Hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas. At this time of the year you can be tempted to drift back into the past and celebrations of old.
I have cherished memories of Christmas in the village when the true meaning of community shone like the Christmas star and Hele came together to celebrate.
One of the highlights has to be the locals pouring out on to the main Hele Road from the Royal Standard, ‘Buff’ and ‘Con’ clubs to stop the traffic, join hands and unite for a special version of Auld Lang Syne. Sadly, only the Conservative Club remains and Hele is a shadow of its former self.
But there is no point dwelling in the past. It’s time to look to the future. The Bay has achieved quite a bit in the past 18 months or so.
2026 will be a case of building on that recent progress and, if all goes according to plan, a new Torbay, a new, healthier, happier and more prosperous English Riviera will emerge and take shape by the end of the decade.
Millions of pounds in different pots of government funding and a public/private sector regeneration project with developers Willmott Dixon and Milligan have put us in a good place.
At the start of the New Year it may be worth reflecting on where we are with the three towns, projects and visions - visions which must and will be turned into a reality.
Here we go:

Paignton
Delivered projects include the seafront Mercure and Ibis Styles hotels
Projects in progress include the Paignton Picture House restoration; Paignton and Preston Coastal Defence and Public Realm Scheme and Oldway restoration programme.
Approved or in-the-pipeline projects include the Crossways redevelopment comprising 91 extra care apartments and adult day care centre and redevelopment of the Victoria Centre.
Plans are also progressing for an ‘EPIC 2’ photonics and electronics centre to accommodate the Bay’s hugely successful and rapidly-growing hi-tech sector.
‘Key opportunity sites’ include the town’s transport hub around Station Square which could see a new multi-storey car park and mini supermarket and apartments on a reduced bus station site, the current cinema site on the seafront, the area around Paignton pier, the library area, and Paignton harbour.
By the way, the harbour is mentioned not to destroy its natural charm but to to take advantage of redundant buildings like the old crab factory which could be transformed into a modern-day water sport hub, and open up to locals and visitors what for years has been a hidden jewel in Paignton and Torbay’s crown.
There are also ‘public realm’ opportunities mentioned including improving the look and environment of Torbay Road, Victoria Street, Palace Avenue, Winner Street and Esplanade Road.
(While we are talking about Paignton, let’s not forget the new Dutch owners of Paignton Zoo who, without any doubt, will have major improvement plans up their sleeve).

Torquay
Major regeneration projects include the The Strand and harbour public realm improvements, the Debenhams/hotel site, the Pavilion restoration and its future use, the Union Square redevelopment including homes, health hub and a new Torquay indoor market and the redevelopment of the Temperance Street area
(Let’s also throw in the pot ARC Marine, the new tenants and the old Living Coasts site and other potential partners or the beach side of the site and millions of pounds investment from the private sector into businesses like the Arena, Yacht and Viva just to mention a few.)

Brixham
Major regeneration projects and proposals include the Brixham Fish Market expansion and modernisation plan, a number of Brixham town centre public realm improvements, harbour infrastructure upgrades and the Oxen potential development, as well as a long-awaited Brixham central car park redevelopment (which is at the concept stage).
Just a few things on the go and we have only just touched the surface as we tell our remarkable Torbay Story and recognise, celebrate, promote and shout about something we all take for granted. Our Bay.
Take a look at the views of recent visitors to our shores and their recent social media post:
“Just wanted to say, as someone who was out in Torquay last night… you locals don’t know how lucky you are!
“We’re down from Birmingham for a couple of days and honestly, we couldn’t believe how many people were moaning about the town. Meanwhile we’re walking around with our jaws on the floor because it’s beautiful here – the harbour lights, the sea breeze, the bars actually having outside seating (rare luxury for us!) and people generally being way more chilled than back home.
“Every place has its issues, sure, but from an outsider’s point of view, Torquay is something special. You’ve got the coast, the views, the atmosphere… We’re genuinely jealous!
“So next time you’re tempted to complain, just remember: some of us travel hours just to enjoy what you get every day.”
I rest my case. Now is the Time for the Baynaysayers to take a back seat and the Baydoers to make their voices heard to make sure that new future is delivered not just for businesses and holidaymakers but for areas like Hele Village to give it the kiss of life it so badly needs.