EP5: Shaping Places That Belong: Milligan on the Future of Torbay

In this episode of the Riviera Connect Podcast, we are joined by Tarah Gear, Director of Brand and Place Futures, and Martin Tresidder, Development Director at Milligan. Milligan has been appointed as a development partner to work alongside Torbay Council and Willmott Dixon to help deliver long-term regeneration across the Bay.

Tarah and Martin share how Milligan approaches placemaking and development with a strong focus on community involvement, local identity and the natural rhythm of each town. They reflect on the importance of creating neighbourhoods with the right balance of homes, commercial spaces and adaptable hospitality. From The Torbay Story to the transformation of Union Square and the Strand, they explain how each site fits into a wider vision for Torbay’s future.

What We Cover
• Placemaking as a process of revealing local character
• Building resilient commercial and leisure space
• Vision-led development shaped by The Torbay Story
• Projects like Union Square and the Strand as signals of long-term confidence

Public Consultation Events
Milligan is inviting local residents and businesses to take part in their upcoming consultation event:
📅 Monday 22 July
📍 Former Shoe Zone unit in Torquay
Drop in to view the proposals, speak with the team and share your views on the future of the town. View the plans online:

The Strand on Torbay.gov.uk

Union Square on Torbay.gov.uk

🎧 Listen and Subscribe
Find this episode and more at riviera-connect.co.uk