Plans for a £75m harbourside hotel in Torquay, Devon, have been approved, marking a major boost for the struggling seaside town. The six-storey hotel, which will replace the derelict Debenhams store on the Strand, is set to include a rooftop bar, restaurant, cafe and shops on the ground floor.
The department store has lain dormant since 2021 and is now set to be demolished to make way for the 150-bedroom hotel. The approval comes as a boost to Torquay, which previously made headlines for its struggling high street.
Council and developer partnership
As reported by Devon Live, Torbay Council will work with a developer and a hotel firm to deliver the project. Wellswood Councillor Nick Bye (Conservative) described it as a "game changer" for the area's tourism and hospitality industry.
However, there have been some objections, with people noting the height of the building. Jonty Williams, of the Torbay Civic Society, said: "Torquay is crying out for a genuine luxury hotel but this proposal is mediocre. It makes no meaningful attempt to blend into, let alone enhance, our once-celebrated environment."
Objections and regeneration plans
Margaret Forbes-Hamilton, who also objects to the plans, said the design should be reconsidered. Rodney Horder, of the Torquay Neighbourhood Forum, added the height of the hotel would harm the area around it, describing the rooftop bar as "totally incongruous".
Despite the objections, the plans have been confirmed with Torbay Council reiterating that the hotel is part of a major regeneration of the waterfront area, which also includes the Pavilion refurbishment. They claim the design is "fitting and deliverable".
Next steps and construction timeline
The council is now talking with developers and international hotel firms about the next stages of the project. Construction work is expected to begin within the next 12 months.
David Thomas, the Conservative leader of Torbay Council, said: "I can't stress it enough - this really is a game changer for Torbay. Investors and hotel groups are saying this is probably the best hotel site left in the South West."
