The regeneration of The Strand transformed Torquay's harbourside gateway, improving pedestrian connectivity, public space quality, and access to the waterfront. Hardscape worked alongside Willmott Dixon and Milligan to supply a coordinated palette of natural stone materials suited to the demands of a high-footfall coastal environment. The project has been shortlisted for the CIHT Awards Creating Better Places Award.

Design & Heritage

Grade II listed Clock Tower now sits at the heart of a pedestrian-priority environment, with new seating, public art - including the Dame Agatha Christie and open harbour views create a destination that invites people to pause and connect.

Materials

The scheme draws on a carefully considered material selection: Kellen Breccia CERO Nerosso Argento and Tagenta C&E paving form the primary surface treatment, with Rosa Praia European granite used for seating blocks and planters, and Rose Mill Red granite kerbs completing the scheme.

Sustainability

A key specification decision was the use of Kellen CERO paving, which employs geopolymer technology to reduce embodied carbon to just 7.3kg CO2 per m² - a 50% reduction from standard Kellen paving, suitable for a project where both durability and environmental performance were priorities.

Outcome

The result is a robust, welcoming public realm that complements Torquay's vibrant harbour setting and is designed to serve the community for the long term.