Brixham Northern Arm Breakwater, Freshwater Quarry & Oxen Cove

Partners: Brixham 21 opens in a new window

, Torbay Council, Commercial investment

The third and final element of Brixham’s long-term regeneration is the construction of a new outer harbour breakwater which has been identified as a specific aspiration by the community as promoted by Brixham 21, the town’s community regeneration partner. This would

Provide calmer wave conditions in the harbour to protect existing commercial and leisure activities.
Facilitate the development of leisure uses, specifically the substantial development of marina facilities.
To provide a properly enclosed and safe harbour in all weather conditions.

In May 2011 consultants Parsons Brinkerhoff submitted their Concept Design Report. This looked at a range of issues and produced a preferred baseline option (alignment and layout for the breakwater and method of construction) and cost estimates. The funding for the breakwater will come from a number of public and / or private sources, i.e. grant funding, prudential borrowing and capital loan, and the development of Freshwater Quarry and Oxen Cove. These sites are currently harbour-side car parks. AstraZeneca Environmental Laboratory is already established in Freshwater Quarry and is a significant employer in the Brixham.

The development of these sites could provide residential, retail and employment uses which will not only contribute towards the cost of the breakwater but will also significantly improve the local economy.

In June 2011 consultants Savills prepared a Site Development Brief for these sites. This followed significant liaison with local stakeholders and a community consultation event at which more than 300 people attended.