Historic seaside town with England's most valuable port set for £750k revamp – including improving watersport facilities
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THE stunning home of England's most valuable port is set to undergo a major waterfront revamp.
Brixham Harbour will see upgrades to public walkways as well as watersport facilities.
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The small fishing town of Brixham is home to England's most valuable port
Credit: Alamy
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The town is set to undergo a major revamp to its harbourside area, improving it for residents and visitors
Credit: Alamy
Brixham is located in the south-west of England and has an estimated population of around 16,781.
The town, which is an hour drive from both Exeter and Plymouth, dates back to the Saxon period, when it first established itself as a fishing hub.
By the mid-nineteenth century, the town boasted the largest shipping fleet in the country at 250.
As the industry continued to expand, boatyards and fish markets set up around town and maritime-related work became the norm for the area.
The port has played a pivotal role in shaping the country's history, from the landing place of William of Orange to the home for the Royal Navy during World War II.
It is also the site of countless shipwrecks over the years, with local legend claiming wives of fishermen would take belongings to the beach to burn them as a way of guiding their men home.
Nowadays, the harbour is a bustling hub, setting a new record in 2022 by landing £60.8 million for the year.
The harbourside area is now set for a £750,000 improvement development.
This includes the installation of new solar smart compacting bins that will prevent overflow and the mounting of LED festoon lighting around the harbour for increased safety.
Dilapidated seating and benches will also be replaced along the seafront and seasonal feature planting, such as hanging baskets, will be added to brighten up the area.
The 100-year-old theme park by the beach with one of the world's oldest rollercoasters
Improving access and public safety around the harbour and fishing port is also an aim of this initiative.
Water sports in the area will also benefits as the project will provide safe launching, landing, and mooring facilities for paddleboard and kayak users.
Directional signage will also be improved to enhance visitors' experiences.
And finally, the harbour railings, pillars, lamp posts and the Quay Market structure will all be touched up and repainted.
Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth at Torbay Council, spoke to the BBC about the planned improvements.
'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp
By Nicole Cherruault
A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind".
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News.
The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.'
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.'
"Brixham is already a vibrant and welcoming place, and we hope the £750,000 of public realm improvements will further enhance the area for residents and visitors," he said.
As well as strolling the scenic harbour, visitors to the town can also visit the small shingle beach or take a dip in the Shaolstone Seawater Pool, open from May til September.
History buffs can visit one of the towns many musuems, including the Golden Hind Ship Museum, which is located in the harbour itself.
Or your can enjoy the picturesque scenery including the local architecture, such as the nineteenth century cottages built overlooking the water.
There are a variety of local eateries to choose from, with seafood being an expected theme in most.
And you can pick from a variety of local hotels and B&Bs, beginning from £95 per night.
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