Union Square shopping centre in Torquay, built in 1982, was once a vibrant heart of shopping and social life. Over the decades, however, evolving consumer habits and the rise of online shopping have taken their toll, leaving the centre almost deserted. Today, visitors find themselves surrounded by empty units, the quiet punctuated only by the echo of their own footsteps.
The now-silent Wilko store still displays its faded signage above a closed entrance, while a lone security guard takes his lunch break in one of the few remaining vacated stalls. Peacocks, Greggs, Iceland, and The Entertainer are some of the last retailers hanging on, operating amid what feels like a ghostly relic of the town’s once-thriving retail scene.
But changes are imminent. Torquay Council has approved ambitious plans to demolish much of Union Square and replace it with 99 new residential properties. This multi-million-pound redevelopment aims to rejuvenate the town centre, shifting focus away from retail towards creating a mixed-use community with homes, shops, and green spaces. It reflects a national trend in urban planning, where town centres are being reimagined as social and residential hubs rather than purely commercial zones.
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Artist renderings propose vibrant community life—cafés, cycling paths, pedestrian-friendly areas, and communal amenities—but not everyone is sold on the vision. Dr Rodney Horder of the Torquay Neighbourhood Forum criticized the designs as reminiscent of “post-war Stalinist buildings,” though the forum supports the redevelopment overall.
Locals’ reactions are mixed. Some, like regular visitor Jenny Prater, express concern about losing popular shops like Iceland and worry about social housing tenants if the new development is not carefully managed. Others, such as lifelong visitor Ciara Brown, feel nostalgic about the town’s bustling past and uneasy about it becoming dominated by housing rather than retail. Many acknowledge the existing challenges around crime and homelessness in the area.
The project also involves significant changes to the nearby historic Pannier Market, including partial demolition and refurbishment aimed at rejuvenation. While some shoppers and vendors lament the loss of traditional market elements and desire more local stalls like butchers and greengrocers, others see potential for revitalising the market into a thriving food destination.
Vendors like Christine Dawson of Forum Deli welcome the redevelopment and believe that with the right promotion and improvements – including better parking and support for local businesses – the town centre can be brought back to life. She stresses that while housing is part of the plan, the real need is more accessible local shops and amenities to serve residents and visitors alike.
As Torquay looks to reshape its future, the story of Union Square is one of change, challenges, and cautious hope — a reflection of the evolving role of town centres across the country.