It has recently been revealed that an award-winning Torbay company has ambitious plans for the former Torquay Living Coasts site. Founder Tom Birbeck, a South Devon College alumnus, is expanding ARC Marine’s pioneering reef-restoration work to the site of the former Living Coasts, which closed in June 2020.

A new Marine Innovation Hub

ARC Marine has signed a long-term lease for a large part of the former attraction and outlined plans for a world-leading Marine Innovation Hub. This exciting development will create jobs, drive economic opportunity across the UK, and help turn the tide in regenerating our oceans.

The Living Coasts deal marks a significant milestone in the regeneration of the Torbay Council-owned site, previously leased by Paignton Zoo’s Wild Planet Trust, which was forced to close for financial reasons five years ago. Since then, the site has remained empty and something of an eyesore.

We are delighted that Wollens were instrumental in the deal

Stephen Kings – Chief Executive at Wild Planet Trust said ‘Wild Planet Trust have been working in close partnership with Wollens for many years. Once the Trust had decided to sub let part of Living Coasts with ARC Marine it was an automatic choice for us to engage with Wollens. Ashley Bevans was assigned to the project and we have been delighted at his expertise and knowledge throughout the process from the start until completion on November 21st.’

Ashley Bevans, Partner and Head of the Commercial Property team at Wollens, was involved in brokering the deal with ARC Marine and said:
“We’re thrilled to be instrumental in this deal. This project will breathe new life into an iconic site and deliver huge benefits for the region.”

Transformation begins immediately

The building’s transformation will begin straight away, with a budget of over £500,000 for Phase 1, supported by the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership Programme, which focuses on accelerating the UK supply chain for offshore renewables.

A statement from ARC Marine says:
“We are collaborating closely with the Wild Planet Trust and Torbay Council to ensure the long-term success and development of the site. Together, we will explore additional partnerships and uses for parts of the site that are not currently occupied, with a feasibility and development strategy set to commence next year.”

Speak to Ashley Bevans

Ashley is a Partner at Wollens and can advise you. Contact Ashley via email ashley.bevans@wollens.co.uk or call 01803 225122.

Ashley Bevans - Wollens Solicitors Devon

You can also complete an online enquiry form. One of the Wollens team will contact you as soon as they are available.