Plans for the regeneration of Bideford have taken a step forward with the appointment of a specialist team to draw up proposals for the transformation of five key sites in the town.

The sites at the Livestock Market, Kingsley Road, The Pill, Bridge Street and Brunswick and Clarence Wharves were earmarked to kick start the regeneration process in the town following a local masterplanning and consultation process last year.

The next phase of work – to be jointly funded by the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), Torridge District Council, Devon County Council and Bideford Town Council – will involve detailed surveys of each site and a full a commercial analysis on how the regeneration schemes will maximise the economic benefit for Bideford and the wider region.

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Proposals will be put forward for the best possible use for each site and the likely cost of development. Outline plans will be produced to indicate how each of the sites might look and studies will be carried out into site infrastructure, utilities and road and public transport links.

James Wilson, Operations Manager for the South West RDA, said: "The RDA has identified the northern Devon area as a priority place for our future investment as we seek to unlock the business potential of the region.

"We have indicated our support in principle for the regeneration of Bideford and this essential next stage of the process is to ensure the right projects are brought forward which are achievable, affordable and which will maximise the economic benefits of regeneration for the town."

Property, regeneration and development specialists Savills are being appointed by Torridge District Council with the assistance of the RDA to carry out the masterplanning work for each of the five sites.

(JM)