Welcome to the Mayors Vision Information Page. Torbay like many places faces extra-ordinary challenges over the next two decades. These range from the global – climate change, rises in sea levels and dramatic changes in the lifestyles of its citizens, to the more localised issues – a buoyant South West economy, and its resultant pressure for growth – more homes, more people, more traffic! Torbay must embrace change if it is to survive; it must face up to the challenges ahead but at the same time be mindful and respectful of the things that make it a special place.

Torbay Council, TDA, the Strategic Partnership and more specifically the Mayor have begun the process of mapping out the future. The new Community Plan launched by the Mayor on Beacon Quay in July 2007 described a vision to drive forward economic prosperity based upon four key themes:

• Pride in the Bay;
• Stronger Communities;
• Learning and Skills for the future
• And underpinning it all, the New Economy

The Vision and the themes that underpin it will help shape all manner of projects and initiatives – from good existing projects looking for a suitable home to great ideas for the future that have yet to see the light of day.

Using funding from the New Growth Points initiative, Torbay Council, TDA and the South West RDA appointed Exeter-based master planning and urban regeneration specialists LDA Design to develop the Mayor’s vision into a series of projects and initiatives that can meet the objectives of the vision and the Community Plan. The particular emphasis of their work is to demonstrate how those projects can shape the future built environment in Torbay.

Progress Undertaken

Over 100 people attended a first Visioning Event in July 2007 to explore ideas and themes and to examine wider issues about the image and identity of Torbay and more specifically to start the process of developing the ‘Vision’. Participants were asked to test ‘The English Riviera’ identity and examine its relevance and importance in the 21^st Century. They were also asked to consider how this identity might be broadened to embrace the wider issues of sustainable development. The overwhelming conclusion was that the English Riviera identity and brand was very strong and very relevant but that it needed to be reinforced and updated to extend far beyond the tourism offer. For example it should help shape everything that happens in Torbay from the quality of the built environment through to public services, business activity and commerce.

Several ‘Connect’ Caravan events were held and the general public invited to give their ideas or projects that could be included in this Mayors Vision review. Press articles referred also to the Council’s website where a Questionnaire could be completed on line with ideas before the closing date of 3^rd August 2007. We were overwhelmed with the response and the original list of 50 project ideas grew to a staggering 300.

A further Visioning Event took place on 9 October 2007 and well over 120 people attended from a cross section of the Community along with key stakeholders. LDA Design unveiled the ‘Vision’ which set out the concept for Torbay to start acting and thinking like a ‘City’ to encourage regeneration and investment in order to boost Torbay’s importance in the Region making it a bigger player alongside neighbours Exeter and Plymouth. The ‘Vision’ represents a significant step in the renaissance of Torbay and gives an opportunity to set the agenda for change for the next few decades.

The final stage translated the Vision into 19 transformational projects and the Action Framework Plan gives a full outline of the whole process undertaken. It supports the Mayoral Vision for Torbay and is a companion document that will inform the Local Development Framework (LDF) Core Strategy and should, in tandem with the Mayoral Vision, assist the LDF in providing clear strategic direction for the regeneration of the built environment of Torbay. The Action Framework Plan will guide public and private sector investment.  We are delighted to report that a Developer Open Day was held on 12 February 2008 and well over 160 people from 94 Developer companies attended.  In general those present were excited by the Vision and the development opportunities across the Bay.  As a direct result of the Developer Open Day, Torbay Council has been approached by a number of Developers who are keen to work with Torbay Council on regeneration opportunities and we are seeking further expressions of interest.  Please register your interest with Norma Paynton, on the appropriate form below.

Latest News

Several public events took place in each of the three towns. The Mayor introduced LDA Design who presented the Mayors Vision and then gave ample opportunity for a questions and answer session.  Some very interesting feedback has been received, the feedback is being collated and will be available to download at a later date.

Work now commences on putting in place the structure for taking the Mayors Vision forward onto the more difficult Phase 3 Implementation Stage. A Project Board and Project Group have been formed and Norma Paynton will continue to project manage each stage.

Vision DVD

This inspirational project to help create a vision for regenerating Torbay has been brought to life in an exciting virtual walk-through. Click on the link below to view the film:

• Mayor's Vision

Watch this space!

Further updates will be added as necessary.

All documents are available for download.  It is worth noting that the Action Framework document is a substantial size and may take some time to download.

	Mayors Vision - Executive Summary Executive Summary Last updated: 10/01/2008 (459 KB)
	Mayors Vision - Vision Document The full version of the Mayor's vision for Torbay. Last updated: 30/01/2008 (3.2 MB)
	Mayors Vision - Action Framework Plan This document showcases the 19 project ideas that demonstrate how the Mayoral Vision will help support and deliver the actions set out in the Torbay Community Plan, and also how it needs to meet the wider economic, environmental and social objectives. Last updated: 16/05/2008 (9.8 MB)
	Mayors Vision - Expression of Interest form Form to be used for Expression of Interest in the Mayoral Vision projects. Last updated: 05/03/2008 (29 KB)

To view any published Related Documents for this service you will require the appropriate software. To download this software please see our documents help page. All links to documents will open in a new window. To request documents and files in an alternative format please contact us using the contact information provided on this page.