Teignmouth's Fish Quay gets major overhaul

A new £1.125million quay built to boost fishing, leisure and tourism industries in Teignmouth is open for use.

Teignbridge District Council has worked with a range of partners to regenerate the Fish Quay at Gales Hill, something that will boost the livelihoods of local fishermen and shore-dependent jobs, retain the important fishing heritage and encourage more visitors with new, modern recreational facilities for passenger boats.

The old wooden jetty has been replaced with a new pontoon and equipment that makes it much easier and quicker for fishermen to process their catches. There are improved, modern landing facilities for better handling and a quicker turnaround for local boats, new and direct access for vehicles so the catch can be brought to market quicker and in better condition, ice making equipment, a small davit crane and washing areas for fishermen.

It also means charter vessels to access the quay more easily meaning they can bring more people into the town by boat so they can enjoy Teignmouth’s beaches, shops and many tourist attractions.

The opening marks a new beginning for the quay that has been made possible by a range of partners working together to fund and deliver the complex project on time and within budget.

Teignbridge invested £232,000 with technical expertise, resources and ongoing assistance and has supported the Teign Fishermen and Watermen’s Community Interest Company to progress the redevelopment.

Devon County Council funded £450,000 from its Invest in Devon fund and the European Fisheries Fund provided £443,000 administered in the UK through the Marine Management Organisation (MMO). Interserve was appointed to build the new quay.

Teignbridge District Council’s Deputy Chief Executive Phil Shears said:

"This is another example of Teignbridge delivering big on projects that support and strengthen the local economy. Our thanks go to the fishermen, Devon County Council, the Marine Management Organisation, the contractor Interserve and our other partners. It’s been a long, complicated process with lots of hard work and it’s great to now see it ready for use.

“The new Fish Quay comes hot on the heels of confident and ambitious schemes such as the new Pavilions Teignmouth, business units at Broadmeadow and the acquisition of Market Walk shopping centre in Newton Abbot. It shows that despite ongoing budget constraints, Teignbridge is bringing forward projects that benefit residents, communities and business.”

Keri Denton, Devon County Council’s Head of Economy and Enterprise said:

“The benefits of this new, more efficient quay area will be felt across the wider Devon area, not just in the town. It is good news for the local economy, for the many businesses that rely on the quay, and their customers. It’s also important for the opportunities it will bring to enhance leisure and tourism to the area. Devon County Council is pleased to be a partner in this valuable regeneration project.”

A spokesman for the Marine Management Organisation said:

“This project is one of the many which has benefited from the European Fisheries Fund which in total has delivered £17.6M of grant support to the South West industries benefiting the local communities. The new European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EFF) has now launched which will help deliver the reformed Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) as well as supporting economic growth and crucially the competitiveness of the sector.”

Paul Barczok, from the Teign Fishermen and Waterman’s CIC, said:

“The fishing community are delighted to see the new quay which will create real benefits for both the local industry and the wider community and may even encourage the next generation or boats from neighbouring areas to fish from Teignmouth.

“Being able to accommodate landing directly into trucks on the quayside as well as providing ice and chiller facilities really adds value to the catch landed. This is now a brilliant space for the fishermen, the local community and visitors.”

Interserve’s Project Manager Andy Beech said:

“Being a partner in this project from the concept phase has been important for Interserve. We strongly support the regeneration of the fish quay area, which fully aligns with our commitment to sustainability and delivering excellent outcomes for local communities.

“The project has been challenging, but has remained on programme and budget throughout. The end result is a fantastic asset which we hope will be used by local residents and future generations alike.”

South West Water Managing Director, Dr Stephen Bird, said:

“South West Water is proud to have worked with Teignbridge District Council and all other partners on this significant strategic project, which will benefit our local industries and communities.”