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Development works at Lymington Road Coach Station start this month

Classic Builders have been appointed to build new business facilities at Lymington Road Coach Station. 

Works are set to start in the coming weeks, after demolition of the old buildings and ground works were completed at the end of 2022. 

Funded from Torbay Council’s Growth Fund, alongside funding awarded by the Heart of the South West LEP’s Getting Building Fund, the development will provide space for small businesses, with improvements also being made to the public space. 

Upon completion of the transformation, residents and visitors will see modern business facilities and a range of new amenities, including a new international coach bay, shelter providing weather protection for waiting passengers, wayfaring information, a new and improved disabled toilet, and enhanced lighting throughout the car park. 

The development will create opportunities for small local businesses – helping to boost the local economy and create new jobs. The improved facilities will also benefit residents, after feedback from the local community helped to shape the final design to ensure the area felt safer. Visitors arriving to Torquay by coach will be provided with a more comfortable and convenient travel experience. 

The project which is being managed by TDA is part of wider plans to generate new business and employment opportunities and improve transport infrastructure in Torbay. 

Cllr Darren Cowell, Deputy Leader of Torbay Council, said; “It’s fantastic that despite challenges in the construction sector we’ve been able to move forward with several of our investment projects. We’re looking forward to seeing the new buildings rise out of the ground and for the units to be available for rent for small local businesses.”

Cllr Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Economic Regeneration, Tourism and Housing for Torbay Council, said; “By investing in and redeveloping this site we can provide space for small businesses, improve the local area and create a more welcoming environment for visitors – all which bring benefits to the local economy.”

Karl Tucker, Chair of the Heart of the South West LEP, said: “We’re pleased to see the progress being made on Lymington Road Coach Station, as work starts on building the site’s new business facilities. These will provide much-needed spaces for local businesses, boosting the economy and generating new jobs and opportunities in the area.”

Stay up to date with this project and other regeneration projects happening in Torquay by signing up to the Torquay Projects newsletter. 

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      David Ralph

      Chief Executive

      David Ralph started as Chief Executive of Heart of South West LEP at the beginning of June 2018. Previously, he had spent 5 years as CEO of the Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, Nottinghamshire (D2N2) LEP from 2013 where he oversaw the development of the D2N2 Strategic Economic Plan and sector strategies, 3 Growth Deals with HM Government to deliver a £1billion capital investment programme, securing and implementing £200m ESIF programme, the Derby and Nottingham Enterprise Zone, the D2N2 Skills Deal and Time for Innovation programme, community fund and led the executive team to develop the HS2 East Midlands hub. He was also closely involved in the proposed North Midlands Devolution Deal and one of the key architects in establishing the Midlands Engine, chairing the officer steering group. Whilst in this role David was a NED of the Nottingham Enterprise Zone, and Marketing NG, the Outer Estates Foundation and a Governor of Nottingham College and on the advisory Board of Nottingham Business School.

      Before the East Midlands, David was CEO of the Have Gateway Partnership working closely with local stakeholders including the ports of Felixstowe, Harwich and Ipswich and BT Adadastral Park across Suffolk and Essex and prior to that was Chief Exec of the Barton Hill New Deal for Communities programme in Bristol and the Nelm Development Trust in Norwich.

      David is a keen sailor, walker and trail runner.