A VISION of the Torquay of the future includes bustling residential areas where the ailing town centre is now, a restored Pavilion and homes in place of an under-used multi-storey car park.

The Torquay Town Centre Place Vision, to be presented to councillors next week (August 13) also acknowledges that the area around Castle Circus, plagued by anti-social behaviour, must be cleaned up.

It says: “There are significant issues which make the area feel unsafe for residents and workers and also bring negative press for Torquay, potentially harming the local economy.”

The bold vision calls for appropriate, safe accommodation for homeless residents on Factory Row. It says renovating the existing buildings and streetscape would also encourage better behaviour.

There would be more greenery, seating, street art and lighting in the area, with existing derelict shops converted into homes and better local food and drink outlets around the New Central Cinema.

Lower Union Lane, which is currently dominated by a multi-storey car park, has the potential for a residential development, according to the document, as does the nearby BT building.

The aim, says the report, is ‘gradually transforming the area from an ailing retail environment into a mixed-use residential neighbourhood’.

The report is the first in a series of regeneration strategies for Torbay, with Paignton and Brixham to follow. It looks at the regeneration of key sites such as the harbour area, Union Square, the Strand and the Pavilion.

Funding would come from various government programmes.

The report, to be discussed by the council’s overview and scrutiny committee next week, says the main shopping area of the town should be concentrated in Fleet Street, ‘bookended’ by Primark at one end and Hoopers at the other. There could then be new homes between the GPO roundabout and Castle Circus.

It also says the perception of Torquay should change from a seaside destination to a ‘vibrant coastal town’ with the Pavilion restored to become a cultural destination. More street activities would be encouraged, including a market, street food, entertainment and events.

Current strengths include a strong business community, strong tourism and a vibrant night-time economy.

Weaknesses, however, include poor quality shops, not enough homes in the town centre and an enduring ‘stag and hen do’ image.

Turning the Pavilion into an Agatha Christie-themed destination with the Torquay-born author’s archives on display has already been discussed, and the vision says it could have a similar role and status to the Tate Gallery in St Ives.

Also previously debated is the idea of turning Beacon Cove into a watersports hub.

The amusement arcades which front on to Cary Parade could adapt to ‘a diverse range of leisure offers’ with conference facilities, homes or a hotel above, plus better access to Rock Walk.