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Brixham Regeneration
16 July 2009
Brixham's new fish market is starting to take shape as part of
the town's multi-million pound transformation. The ambitious plans
aim to rejuvenate the town's economy and provide fishing and
non-fishing related jobs for people in Brixham.
The steel frame for the first part of the new fish market is
almost complete and the erection of the roof and wall cladding is
due to go up next week.
Phase 1 works have already been completed, providing a new
extended quay deck, employment units, infrastructure and associated
services such as power and water supplies.
Contractors Dean and Dyball started work on phase 2 of the
scheme at the end of June 2009. This phase includes the
construction of the new fish market, restaurant and office
facilities. These works will take approximately 60 weeks and are
due to finish in August 2010.
The value of the first two phases is approximately £17 million
and is being funded by the South West RDA (Regional Development
Agency), the European Regional Development Fund, the Financial
Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and Torbay Council.
The work follows many years of planning and negotiations by
Torbay Council, its regeneration arm the Torbay Development Agency
and Brixham 21, the council's community partner. It represents the
first stage of the wider regeneration of Brixham which includes a
multi-million pound food store and mixed-use regeneration scheme
for Brixham town centre, with Tesco already announced as the
preferred developer. There are also proposals for new developments
at Oxen Cove and Freshwater Quarry.
The new town centre development is expected to generate around
200 local jobs.
Torbay Council's Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for
Regeneration, Chris Lewis, said: "I'm very impressed by the
progress of the work on Brixham harbour so far and we should not
underestimate the importance of this project for Brixham's future
economic prosperity. Despite the inevitable disruption that comes
with any construction work of this scale we must remind ourselves
that even in the current economic climate millions of pounds are
being invested in the project. It is progressing well and that in
itself is a huge achievement that should be celebrated.
"I hope that local residents and tourists take the opportunity
to visit the harbour area over coming months and see the
transformation for themselves."
Chair of the Harbour Committee, Councillor Rob Horne, said:
"This project isn't just good news for Brixham, but for the whole
of Torbay. The new fish market marks a significant investment by
the Harbour Authority. Fishing is at the very heart of Brixham's
economy, therefore, a new fish market is a pivotal part of the
Brixham regeneration scheme which will not only provide
state-of-the-art facilities, but will also help to create further
jobs in the area in the future."
Carl Budden, Head of Regeneration in Devon for the South West
RDA, said: "As well as charting a way through the economic downturn
our region needs to be planning for long term economic growth which
is why we are investing £8.4 million to help unlock a comprehensive
package of regeneration in Brixham.
"The fish market represents an important first step in this
process and we are pleased to see good progress being made on this
project which will help preserve Brixham's fishing industry as well
as providing additional employment space and improved tourism and
leisure facilities for the harbourside."
Peter Bushell from Brixham 21 added: "This is a fantastic
achievement and it's great to see the new fish market going up. We
are really pleased that this contribution to sustaining the fishing
industry in Brixham, during such difficult economic times, will add
to the Bay's prospects for securing local business and retaining
local labour."
PHOTO OPPORTUNITY
A media opportunity will take place at 1.30pm on Friday 31 July,
meeting at the Brixham 21 office. Those attending include Torbay
Council's Mayor, Nick Bye; Brixham 21 and the RDA.
NOTES TO EDITORS
1. The South West RDA leads the development of a sustainable
economy, investing to unlock the region's business potential. It is
helping companies respond to the economic crisis and charts a
course for recovery. The RDA is developing or expanding initiatives
which include: establishing a Business Loan Fund; coordinating the
response to large companies in difficulty; preparing for economic
recovery. More information can be found at www.southwestrda.org.uk.
Michelle Pierce
Communications Officer
Communications Team
Torbay Council
Tel: 01803 208850
Fax: 01803 208844
Third Party Issuer
Torbay Council