UK's 'hellhole' seaside resort set for huge £70million upgrade and luxury hotel

A UK seaside is set for a much-needed £70m revamp which will include a new luxury hotel. Some areas of the town have been dubbed a "hellhole" by residents, with an increase in litter and drugs paraphernalia being left around.

, in south Devon, was once a thriving tourist spot, attracting every year with its amazing beaches and coastal views. However, some locals are now scared to walk down some streets due to a rise in anti-social behaviour. As reported by , one resident said the situation was "very bad" and the local council are doing nothing to make it better.

They said: "We have contacted the council, the police and Swisco (street cleaning and maintenance company), but haven't heard back from any of them." Pointing at a pile of litter, they added: "It annoys me when you read all these pieces about Torquay being such a lovely place, yet, just two minutes from where the tourists walk up and down, you have this horrendous thing."

According to , Torbay Council has confirmed that a new £70m regeneration scheme will help tackle the "horrendous" situation. Councillors believe the plan will "revolutionise" Torquay.

The Strand area of the harbourside will home a new hotel dubbed a "high-quality landmark". It will include a staircase connecting the harbourside with The Terrace, offering stunning views of the harbour.

The hotel will have 154 rooms and a luxurious ground floor space. The development is expected to provide around 80 full-time jobs and attract 86,000 visitors to Torquay in the first 30 years.

Wilmott Dixon and Milligan were appointed as Torbay's regeneration partners, with planning granted in 2023. It came after the Strand was purchased in 2020.

Stuart Harris, CEO for Milligan, said: "This is more than just a regeneration project - it's about delivering something truly special for the town, blending high-quality design with exceptional experiences.

"One of the key design features is a striking new staircase, which will enhance the public realm and provide a seamless connection between the harbourside and The Terrace improving connectivity to the Hilton, Premier Inn, and car park."