As the go-ahead for 16 new casino licences seems imminent, the Mayor of Torbay has drawn up a list of 19 projects in a ‘Mayoral Vision.’ Torbay was chosen as a location for one of the 8 small casinos, and yesterday around 80 companies attended a special developers’ day meeting. One company expressing an interest in the Devon coastal region of Torbay was Century Casinos, with casinos and hotels in the USA, Canada, South Africa, Czech Republic and Poland.

Mayor Nick Bye believes that there is the political will for change as town centres in the Bay area, and even some prime waterfront locations, are looking tired and would benefit from investment. Summing up his presentation the Mayor said, “I hope we have managed to demonstrate that there is fantastic potential in this place and a genuine political and economic climate that is saying it is possible to develop and do the right things that deliver a return for yourselves but also to make meet the social and environmental goals that have been set for the New English Riviera."

The 19 new projects are in Brixham, Paignton and Torquay and involve a number of new hotels. The regeneration plans include a casino, if getting a green light from the Government, on the seafront at Torquay, probably on the site of the Princess Gardens. Local people have concerns over the inadequacy of the road system leading into the Torbay area and the fact that the Council would be selling off prime locations. It has also been pointed out that existing hotels are seldom full even in high summer. (E-02.13.08)

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