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Torquay's
waterfront has undergone a transformation in a £21m redevelopment
of the area.
Taking centre stage is a state-of-the-art bridge linking north pier
and south pier - which means people can now walk all the way around
the inner harbour for the very first time.
Low tides are a thing of the past in the inner harbour - the idea
is it will make it look more picturesque, as the sludgy harbour bed
will no longer be visible.
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| Torquay
Inner Harbour |
The eye-catching
bridge allows boats in and out of the inner harbour.
The footpath goes along the top of the bridge, linking south pier
with north pier.
And here's the clever bit: when the centre section of the bridge is
lifted, the metal underwater gates which hold the water back go down
to allow vessels safe passage.
The water in the inner harbour is being kept at mid-tide.
The waterfront scheme also incorporates the redevelopment of Beacon
Quay and the old Coral Island site.
The Whitbread restaurant at Beacon Quay is scheduled for opening in
time for the 2003 season, and business units will also be built here.
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| The
Living Coast attraction taking shape at Beacon Quay |
Finally,
the marine aviary being developed by Paignton Zoo is set to open in
the summer of 2003.
The Living Coasts attraction is on the former Coral Island site.
The
development isn't universally popular among locals. Some harbour users
have said they are opposed to it being made non-tidal.
Other
people are against the siting of the Whitbread pub/restaurant, while
there has also been some objection to the marine aviary by animal
rights supporters.
However, the development means the eyesore at Coral Island is gone,
and the walkway around the harbour is a 21st century feature which
will go down well with pedestrians.
It's taken a decade to materialise...but Torquay harbourside's renovation
has (at last) become a reality.
Article updated: 28th May 2003
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