Public Consultation Closes: Torrington Car Park
The public consultation on the Future of Torrington Car Park has now closed, and we would like to thank everyone who took the time to engage with the process.
Over the course of the consultation, we welcomed local residents, businesses, commuters and visitors to two in-person consultation events, as well as receiving feedback online. We are grateful to all those who attended, shared their views and contributed thoughtfully to the discussion. The feedback received has been invaluable and will help inform the next stage of design as the proposals continue to evolve.
Overall, responses showed clear support for the ambition to regenerate Torrington Car Park and improve this important gateway location. Many respondents recognised the opportunity to transform this important gateway site into a more active, accessible and welcoming part of the town centre.
A number of key themes emerged from the feedback:
Public Realm and Connectivity
There was strong support for proposals that seek to improve the experience of walking and moving around the site. Safer, more accessible pedestrian routes, improved lighting, and clearer connections between the station, Vale Road and the surrounding streets were widely welcomed. Enhancements to planting, biodiversity and the overall quality of the public realm were also seen as important benefits.
Active Uses and Town Centre Vitality
The introduction of active ground-floor uses was viewed positively, with many respondents agreeing that this could help create a livelier and more attractive environment. Retail and food and beverage uses were identified as having the greatest potential to support day-to-day activity, alongside interest in leisure and community-focused spaces.
Mixed-Use Regeneration
Many respondents agreed that a mixed-use approach — bringing together parking, homes, commercial space and improved public realm — is appropriate for this central location and aligns with its identification as a regeneration opportunity. The guiding principles of long-term stewardship and high-quality design were also supported.
Scale, Height and Design
Feedback highlighted the importance of carefully considering the scale, height and architectural approach of the proposals. While some respondents supported a more prominent development at this gateway location, others expressed a desire for further refinement to ensure the scheme responds sensitively to the town’s character and heritage context. This will be a key area of focus as the design is reviewed and developed further.
Parking, Construction and Ongoing Engagement
Respondents also raised points around parking provision, construction impacts and the need for clarity as proposals move forward. These issues continue to be recognised as important, and further work will be undertaken to address them as the project progresses.
The consultation feedback provides a valuable foundation of insight and will inform the next stage of the project. We remain committed to continuing constructive engagement with the local community as the proposals evolve.
Thank you once again to everyone who took part in the consultation. Further updates will be shared in due course.