A ONCE-ADORED tourist attraction that was left abandoned is set to be transformed into a “world-class” water hub.
The site shuttered five years ago, leaving customers gutted, but it’s now been given a new lease of life.
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Living Coasts, a coastal zoo and aquarium in Torquay, used to get thousands of visitors annually but has since become an eyesore for locals.
It was originally home to otters, stingrays, seahorses and octopuses but since its closure during the COVID-19, it has stood empty.
The income loss was too much for the site to stay afloat and the business was closed and the animals were relocated to suitable facilities.
With mould and grime climbing up the sides of the walls, the announcement of its restoration has come as a relief.
The abandoned zoo is now set to become a Marine Restoration Centre (ARC) – an eco-engineering company focused on restoring marine habitats and developing technology for marine protection.
Leaseholder the Wild Planet Trust has been in discussion with Torbay Council about regeneration plans and the ARC project was recently announced by its founder and CEO Tom Birbeck.
He said: “This such an exciting milestone for ARC marine, and we are glad to work alongside Torbay Council and the Wild Planet Trust to bring this vision to life.
“The former Living Coasts site is the perfect facility for us and all of the infrastructure is already in place to carry out testing and development on our nature-based solutions.”
The coastal zoo was a much-loved attraction where people could go to visit the oldest African Penguin in the UK, named Pat, who reached the impressive age of 37.
It employed a range of staff from zookeepers to waiters who all lost their jobs after the sudden closure.
ARC Marine claims the new centre will bring a wave of jobs and opportunities for Torbay residents.
Those who are interested in pursuing a career in the marine industry won’t have to stray too far and those missing Living Coasts can revisits their favourite spot.
Cllr Chris Lewis, deputy leader and cabinet member for place development and economic growth at Torbay Council, said the team is excited to “grow local talent.”
He said: “We are thrilled that with the Wild Planet Trust we have been able to work together to find a new user for the prominent harbourside location. The location lends itself perfectly to be a world class marine research and development hub.
“What makes this even more special is ARC marine is a local company who already has a base in the area.
“By keeping their operations within Torbay, they can continue to grow local talent and inspire a new generation of marine conservationists.”
Other Marine Restoration Centres in the UK include Ocean Conservation Trust in Plymouth, the Sussex Kelp Restoration Project, and The Scottish Association for Marine Science.
These have proved popular attractions and so there are high hopes for the ARC in Torbay.
Stephen Kings, interim chief executive at the Wild Planet Trust, said he believes ARC Marine will be a suitable fit for their precious site.
He said: “The trustees at Wild Planet Trust have worked hard to find the best company to operate on the former Living Coasts site.
“We have undergone an open and diligent process and have concluded that ARC marine are that company.
“As a conservation education and research charity we have noted that ARC marine are local to Torbay, have a wonderful reputation, coupled with exciting visionary plans to move to and then develop the Living Coasts site.
“ARC marine are very much aligned with Wild Planet Trust’s core mission of how to live more sustainably with nature leading to the outcome of ‘Helping Halt Species Decline.”
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