£8.6 million investment in Brixham regeneration

The South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) has agreed to invest £8.6 million in the project which will see the existing Brixham fish market totally transformed as well as creating new employment space in nearby Oxen Cove.

Sue Brownlow, head of operations in Devon for the South West RDA, said: “We are very pleased to be supporting this important project which is all about creating the opportunity for economic growth in Brixham and giving the fishing industry the support it needs to become more efficient and competitive.”

The RDA has been working with Torbay Council and the Torbay Development Agency (TDA) to put in place a funding package for the regeneration scheme and was instrumental in securing £2 million of European funds managed by Defra’s Marine Fisheries Agency and investment through European Objective 2.

This announcement is part of a significant commitment by the RDA to support the Torbay economy, including £7.6 million invested in waterfront improvement schemes for the area and £105,000 to enable the opening of the new Torbay Innovation Centre in Paignton.

The Mayor of Torbay Nick Bye, said: “This latest announcement is tremendous news for Brixham and marks a significant step towards the extensive regeneration plans for the town.

“The construction work on the project will start in the autumn of this year and this will of course ensure parking availability on Oxen Cove throughout the 2007 season.”

Work to improve the current Brixham fish market, built in 1971, will involve its complete refurbishment, together with a major extension and will offer improved access and auction facilities, a new tourist walkway and restaurant/shop.

The Oxen Cove development will provide employment space on 2/3 storeys with ground floor accommodation for 10 fish processors being relocated from the existing market, a new harbourmaster’s office and further offices and business units.

All the new buildings will include environmentally sustainable features such as rainwater recycling and use of energy-efficient power in the fish market, and a biomass heating system in the Oxen Cove building.