Torquay Flashcards
Torquay
Torquay is a coastal tourist town overlooking Tor Bay, located in Devon in the South West of England. This area is known as the “English Riviera” due to its sandy beaches and mild climate. As of 2011, it had a population of roughly 65,245, while the wider Torbay area (which encompasses Torquay, Paignton and Brixham) had a population of 131,290 in 2011 and 139,300 in 2021.
Topography
Torquay has a warmer climate than the UK’s average because of its position on the south west coast of the country
Torquay has 2 sheltered sandy beaches nearby - Oddicombe beach and Meadfoot beach. Both have blue flag awards, for clean beaches which reach certain standards.
Torbay
Torbay is the name used for the county borough which encompasses the towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixton and their surrounding areas around Tor Bay. Between 2011 and 2031 there is a housing growth projection of 22% in Torbay. The land in Torquay town is used mainly for residential and tourism purposes
Flows- People
Youth out migration due to lack of employment and education opportunities
Overseas tourists figures steadily rising (up 11.1% from 2010)
47,804 employees in Torquay. 18% travel from outside the area (commuter flows)
Ageing population - for every 1 person of retirement age there are only 2 younger. UK generally has 3 younger for every 1 of retirement age
Predominantly white British population of around 90% with around 7% Eastern European
On average in Torbay, 5 deaths for every 4 births. Therefore without inward migration, there would be a shrinking population. Highest net loss of people is in the 15-19 age group (youth out migration as previously mentioned. Highest net gain is in the 45-49 age group - late family to retirement stage)
Flows- Capital
In 2013, 11.4% of businesses closed and Torquay had a 71.4% employment rate.
September 2018 - Torbay council + developers THAT group - £32 million development on Torwood street - big step forward for Torquay’s town centre regeneration
Council investment + private sector will provide a big boost to the tourism industry
EU funding - south west £116 million 2014-2020
Roughly 20% of Torquay’s jobs are in the tourism sector - large proportion of these are seasonal and poorly paid
MNCS bring money into the town
A new road was built - South Devon Link Road - into Torquay. This costed £110 million, but it is believed it has created 8,000 jobs, removed 90% of congestion and for every £1 invested into the road, there will be £9 in return because it has helped to create the right conditions for future and further investment
In 2012, an empty hotel - the former Palm Court Hotel - burned down. A new building, costing £10 million to build, has been successful as a mixed use complex with bars, restaurants, holiday apartments and residential properties
Flows- ideas
Two hotels in Torquay will become student flats to house foreign students who bring their culture and ideas from their home countries
In 2010, a project called “Torbay connected” was delivered by Torbay council to investigate how artists could be involved in the development of urban public spaces
Migration brings in ideas from people of different countries, cultures and backgrounds
Resources
House building brings construction resources into the town
Local clay pits are mined for building materials locally and sent elsewhere
Place perceptions and identity
Personal blog, insider view -
“I lived in Torquay, Devon, for nearly 3 years. I love Torquay for a MILLION different reasons”
Trip advisor summary report, outsider view -
“Much has changed since Agatha Christie was born in Torquay in 1890. Long famous for its red sandstone cliffs, blue seas and exotic cabbage palms, the town has been living on its laurels of late”
Mumsnet forum website, insider view
“I live nearish to Torquay, it very much depends on where in Torquay, there are some lovely bits but also some really rough bits”
“The English riviera” -
Nickname for Torquay, used on railway posters from 1920s/1930s and used as a nickname since then
More accessible and affordable railway travel enabled people from all over the south of England to Holiday in Torquay
Agatha Christie Statue -
New Statue of the famous Torquay author to be unveiled on Torquay harbour in the near future
It will cost £2.2 million and come out of the council’s £21.9 million Town’s Fund budget to improve the town centre
Celebrates a local hero and Torquay’s identity. A local female artist was chosen which is a fitting tribute to Agatha Christie
