19 November 2008
For Immediate Release
Residents’ views sought on plans for Rock Walk
Mediterranean-themed planting, a viewing platform and creative lighting are just a few of the exciting ideas being put forward for Royal Terrace Gardens (Rock Walk) during a public consultation event next week (Monday 24 – Saturday 29 November).
The essential stabilisation works on the rock face are now underway and the council has turned its attention to the landscape restoration works that will follow.
Ginkgo Projects Ltd, working with Luck Associates, has led a team to produce an outline design for the area on behalf of Torbay Council. Now the plans will be going on show as part of the week-long consultation event and local residents, businesses and visitors are being encouraged to have their say.
Cabinet Member Councillor Chris Lewis, said: "The ideas being put forward for Royal Terrace Gardens are very exciting and are aimed at restoring it to a high standard, whilst capturing the essence of its history, in a contemporary way.
"The outline design is not set in stone and we now want to hear the views of local people and visitors on what features they like and any new ideas they may have before the design is finalised."
Some of the main features of the plan include:
* a pedestrian route up the cliff face will lead people to a viewing platform and onwards to Rock Walk
* a Mediterranean planting scheme with low level planting will open up the area, encourage people to enjoy the views across the Bay and also deter anti-social behaviour
* sensory plants, with distinctive scents and texture, will be used near seating areas
* wheelchair access will be provided along the lower gardens, however, due to the steep nature of the cliff it is not possible to provide access up the cliff. All of the steps will meet DDA requirements where possible.
* benches will be located at various points up the cliff face to encourage people to stop, enjoy the view and appreciate the Bay's Geopark connections with use of interpretation boards.
The plans and a virtual fly-through will be available for viewing at the Breezes Cafe Bar, Princess Theatre on Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 November from 10.30am until 3pm. The plans will then be available to view at Torquay Library from Wednesday 26 until Saturday 29 November inclusive and on the council's website at www.torbay.gov.uk/rockwalk from Monday 24 November until Friday 12 December.
The current stabilisation works are due to be completed in early June 2009 and it is hoped to start the restoration works shortly after this.
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