January: In January, an exciting vision came to life with the publication of formal plans for a complete overhaul of the promenade from Paignton to Preston. The once-in-a-lifetime, multi-million-pound project will revolutionise the area, protecting over 300 low-lying properties from flooding while making crucial improvements to the public space.
February: In February, it was announced that Fawlty Towers—the iconic comedy synonymous with Torbay—would debut in London’s West End. John Cleese, the writer and creator of the beloved 1970s sitcom, adapted material from three classic episodes for the stage. Council leader Dave Thomas remarked: “When do I get my invite? You cannot airbrush out history, but this is a bit of light relief. I would love to go and see it.”
March: In March, Torquay’s iconic Princess Theatre revealed plans for a £500,000 refurbishment, starting in May. The auditorium received a major facelift, including new seating, carpets, curtains, and front-of-house improvements. Amy Worsdale, Theatre Director, described it as “great news not just for the theatre, but for the wider community.”
April: After Torbay Council’s gardens company unexpectedly cut down 40 iconic palm trees in Torquay’s Italian Gardens, residents welcomed ‘glorious’ photos of the seafront gardens during a rigorous replanting scheme. Just in time for Easter, the revised planting offered a long-term solution for this key public space.
May: In May, we exclusively reported that Paignton’s beloved Oldway Mansion would receive an £8 million boost as part of the Government’s funding for the Bay. This marked the first phase of the Oldway Masterplan, designed to breathe new life into the historic building.
June: The summer began with the launch of a new ‘hotspot policing’ campaign aimed at reducing anti-social behavior and violence in Torbay’s most crime-affected areas, such as Torquay’s Castle Circus. Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez secured £1 million to fund the initiative across 16 postcode areas in Devon and Cornwall.
July: In July, details emerged about Paignton Zoo’s uncertain future after significant challenges forced the Wild Planet Trust to prepare a special rescue package. While cost-cutting measures continue, the zoo has recently shared positive updates, including the reopening of the giraffe and crocodile exhibits.
August: August brought relief with the preservation of over 160 jobs following the acquisition of a Paignton-based seafood firm. New England Seafood International acquired the trade and certain assets of the Blue Sea Food Company from Kroll Advisory, who were appointed as administrators earlier that month. It was welcome news for local southwest crab fishers, the wider British crab Industry and for the many customers that depend on Blue Sea for their regular supplies of British crab.
September: In September, Torbay’s economy received a major boost as over 1,000 guests disembarked from the luxury cruise ship Marina. The ship was on its last day of a British Isles cruise, which had taken guests from Southampton to Edinburgh, Dublin and Belfast, before arriving in Torquay for the final stop.
October: One of the year’s highlights came in October, when the council unveiled new plans for the ambitious £200 million regeneration project for Torbay’s town centres. For the first time, images showcased a design that captured local aspirations and created a future-ready town centre hub.
November: Last month, we were one of the first publications to learn that South West Water bosses have pledged £1.2 million to help clean up the company’s economic impact on the tourism sector after Brixham’s cryptosporidium outbreak this summer. This fund is dedicated to restoring booking levels and addressing the lasting effects of this crisis that saw dozens of residents fall ill and unable to drink their tap water for months.
December: In our most recent issue, we commemorated boxer David Leslie Stacey and his nephew David Andrew Stacey, both recent victims of Alzheimer’s. Two dedicated Torbay United fans, family and friends are hoping the full force of Plainmoor and the Bay will come together to sponsor United’s Plainmoor clash on Saturday, December 21, with all proceeds going to the Alzheimer’s Society.
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