Torquay Living Coasts site set for transformation after deal

The site of a former zoo which has been empty for five years is set to be transformed.

A deal has been agreed with ARC Marine, a marine habitat restoration company, to take over the Living Coasts site in Torquay, Devon, and turn it into a “state-of-the-art marine restoration centre”, Wild Planet Trust said.

Tom Birbeck, founder & CEO of ARC Marine, said: “We are glad to work alongside Torbay Council and the Wild Planet Trust to bring this vision to life.”

Living Coasts opened in 2003 and announced in 2020 that it would not reopen following the impact of lockdowns and the Covid-19 pandemic.

Wild Planet Trust said the company had “secured significant investment to redevelop the site”, which it said would serve as its operational headquarters and a hub for ocean conservation and habitat restoration.

Councillor Chris Lewis, deputy leader at Torbay Council, said: “The location lends itself perfectly to be a world class marine research and development hub.

“What makes this even more special is ARC Marine is a local company who already has a base in the area.”

Local businesses have welcomed the agreement, with Sara Bond, from Birchell Marine, saying “nothing’s been happening” at the site for five years.

“It’s a jewel in the crown of Torbay and Torquay,” she added.

“Anything that goes in there is a positive if it’s marine related.

“I’m not sure at this stage if there is a leisure offering but that would be very much welcomed by people down here.”

Kevin Shadbolt from Below Decks restaurant said he hoped it would be a “public place again”.

“It’s been empty so long you’ve got to do something with it or it’s just going to fall down.”