A POPULAR seaside resort is currently undergoing a major £20 million revamp.
The Torbay area has seen significant works, including the refurbishment of a mansion.
The seaside area has been awarded £20 million in funding through the Levelling Up Partnership (stock image)
Torbay, which consists of , Paignton, and Brixham, has been awarded £20 million through the Levelling Up Partnership fund.
This area has been ranked highly as a spot, with picture-perfect beaches and links to Agatha Christie.
Now, revamp efforts are underway to draw even more tourists to the .
Extensive works
The extensive project includes improvements to sea defences, creating cultural and creative spaces, and converting disused holiday accommodation into permanent homes.
Work on Paignton’s sea defences first began in July 2023 and is set for completion by March 2027.
This part of the revamp includes adding new lighting and signage to the seafront area.
Flood risk protection is also a priority, with £7 million of the funding dedicated to this sector.
Historic building
While other works focus on making smaller scale improvements throughout the borough, it is perhaps the refurbishment of Oldway Mansion that is likely to boost the area’s economy.
Built in 1873, the Grade II‐listed building has been empty for 12 years and is considered Paignton’s most prestigious historic site.
It has a storied history, including a stint as the American Women’s War Relief Hospital during the First World War.
Once the home of the wealthy Singer family, the property was last used as offices for Torbay Council.
Now current works give hope that the historic mansion can be returned to full public use.
A register office is set to be opened once again for weddings, while public spaces and a restaurant are also planned.
The possibility of accommodation being added to the upper floors has also been discussed.
And while the mansion’s doors have been closed for over a decade, volunteers have maintained the property’s extensive gardens during this time.
‘Downtrodden’ English ghost town where locals feel ‘left behind’ being turned into ‘vibrant’ shopping hub in £9m revamp
By Nicole Cherruault
A “DOWNTRODDEN” English ghost town is being turned into a “vibrant” shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the “vision for change” after locals complained the town felt “left behind”.
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing , which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a “downtrodden” town, reports .
The objective, the council said, is to create a “vibrant” and a “fit for purpose” centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more , and new bars and cafes are among the council’s top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been “left behind” and it was in desperate need of some “drastic” improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre “remains open for business”, stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: “Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today’s town centre remains open for business,” said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
“I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
“The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.”
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his “excitement” for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said “Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
“It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
“The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.”
Now, scaffolding has been set up around the historic building, with specialists on site to ensure no damage comes to the iconic exterior.
According to the local council, roof covering work is scheduled to take place in December.
This will then be followed by repairs to floors, lintels ,and the roof structure.
Repairs and replacement of windows and doors will then complete these “Phase One” works, by the end of 2027.
An estimated £8 million is being spent on the refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the mansion.
Meanwhile, £3.25 million has been carved out for the conversion of holiday accomodation and £1 million will be alotted to car park improvements in Brixham.
And £500,000 will be used to create cultural spaces in the area, and a further £500,000 is being given to community and youth provision.
Read more on town revamps
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The Oldway Mansion in Paignton is set for an £8 million refurbishment (stock image) 
