Architect - Stride Treglown

Contractor - Mansell Construction

Client - Torbay Development Agency

Completion -

Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, officially opened the highly-anticipated Brixham Fish Quay on 29 March.

Her Royal Highness met local dignitaries, local boat owners and members of the Brixham community on a tour of the new facilities, as well as watching a fish auction in action at the new fish market.

The £20 million award-winning project is a partnership between Torbay Council, Torbay Development Agency, community regeneration group Brixham 21 and Torbay Harbour Authority, funded by South West Regional Development Agency; European Regional Development Fund; Financial Instrument for Fisheries Guidance and Torbay Council.

The development started on site in 2007 and comprises a new fish market, extended quay space, new offices, a fish processing unit, fish retail units and a first floor restaurant facility with unrivalled views of the unique marine vista of Torbay.

The original concept scheme was produced by Kensington Taylor Architects, which Stride Treglown redeveloped from design RIBA Stage C. Following a successful design and build bid, Stride Treglown was appointed for Phase 1 which went on to receive the Chairman’s Award at the LABC South West Business Building Excellence Awards – an early indication of the project’s significance in the town’s renaissance.

Teamed with Dean & Dyball Construction, Phase 1 included expanding the quay by an additional 3000sqm through a development platform to provide larger service areas. The project team then erected an industrial building divided into units for office suites and retail.

Phase 2 was then undertaken by Stride Treglown and Mansell Construction, which saw the demolition of up to 75% of the existing building and the construction of the fish market hall.

The historic port of Brixham is benefiting from this major regeneration project aiming to enhance the local economy, which remains heavily focused on the fishing industry. In contrast to other areas the Brixham fishery is largely sustainable and has therefore thrived in recent years, resulting in the highest value catch in England and a world class reputation for quality.

Steve Parrock, Torbay Development Agency chief executive said: “I am delighted that Her Royal Highness, The Princess Royal, officially opened this fantastic new facility, which will help put this picturesque working harbour at its rightful place on the national stage. The new fish quay is the centre point of Brixham’s regeneration helping to create the renaissance of the town as a destination of choice to live, work, visit and invest in.”

Alastair Wilson, Regional Director at Stride Treglown, added; “This has been a hugely rewarding development for everyone involved. To be part of the regeneration of such a well-loved port as well as receiving the comments and praise along the way has been fantastic. We hope locals, traders and visitors will continue to enjoy and be proud of the new look quay for years to come.”